Seismic activity in the Mar Egeo has generated great concern in recent weeks. What began as a series of earthquakes in Santorini has taken an unexpected turn, now affecting Amorgos, another Greek island located in the same archipelago. This change has forced the authorities to take Extreme measures to protect the population.
Since January 26, seismologists have recorded more than 14.000 shakes in the region. Although tremors in this area are not unusual, the magnitude and persistence of these events have raised concerns among experts, who say they have not seen anything similar in more than half a century.
Amorgos enters a state of emergency
While Santorini has been the media epicenter, attention has recently shifted to Amorgos, an island with barely 2.000 inhabitants permanent. Although its infrastructure is reduced compared to other tourist islands, the constant movement of the land has led the authorities to declare a state of emergency.
This measure will allow for a quick response to possible structural damage or the need for evacuations. For now, residents have reported numerous tremors, but no significant building collapses or casualties have been confirmed.
The impact on everyday life
The increase in seismic activity has caused disruptions in the routine of the inhabitants and visitors of the affected islands. Many people have opted to leave Santorini fearing a major earthquake. Bars, restaurants and tourist establishments have temporarily closed, turning the island into a virtual desert.
On the other hand, the government has ordered the school closures on several islands, including Santorini, Amorgos, Ios and Anafi. The measure aims to minimize the risks for students and ensure their safety while experts continue to monitor the situation.
What causes these earthquakes?
Geologists continue to investigate the causes of this unusual seismic activity. One of the most widespread theories suggests that the area, located on a active volcanic system, you may be experiencing a magmatic reactivationAlthough there are no clear indications of an imminent eruption at the moment, scientists are not ruling out the possibility.
Another hypothesis suggests that the phenomenon could be related to the pressure accumulated in the tectonic faults that run through the Aegean Sea. The interaction between the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate has resulted in large earthquakes in the past, and some researchers believe a similar pattern may be repeating itself.
The situation in the Aegean remains uncertain. With dozens of aftershocks recorded every day and the latent risk of further earthquakes, authorities remain on alert to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. In the meantime, continued monitoring will be key to better understanding the evolution of this unprecedented seismic phenomenon.