More than 7,700 earthquakes have rattled the Santorini-Amorgos seismic zone since Jan. 26, raising concerns over landslides on the Greek island, while Israel braces for a potential tsunami, Kathimerini reported.
Over 6,100 of the tremors registered above magnitude 1, with Tuesday alone seeing 1,300 quakes, the strongest reaching magnitudes of 4.9 to 5.0. By Wednesday, the seismic activity shifted northeast, with the largest quake recorded at 5.1 magnitude.
Landslide Risks and Emergency Measures
Experts warn that Santorini’s steep caldera slopes are particularly vulnerable to landslides, especially as tremors continue. Historical records show similar seismic-triggered landslides in 1507, 1508, 1870, 1926, and 1956. Some of these events were linked to quakes in Crete and Rhodes.
Since Jan. 27, minor landslides have been reported in areas such as Red Beach and the Old Port. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, fearing that continued seismic activity could trigger more significant collapses, particularly in tourist areas.
Greek civil protection authorities declared a state of emergency on Santorini on Thursday, effective until March 1, as aftershocks persist.
Israel’s Tsunami Precautions
Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a possible tsunami following the tremors in Greece, the Jerusalem Post reported Thursday. The country’s National Security Council convened an emergency meeting Wednesday to evaluate the threat and review contingency plans, including protecting critical infrastructure and establishing evacuation routes.
If a tsunami does not materialize, Israel is also prepared to provide international aid to Greece, officials said.
