Seismic activity around the Greek island of Santorini has raised concerns among experts regarding the potential threat of a significant volcanic eruption, potentially impacting the destination that attracts over three million tourists annually. The situation is under close observation by scientists attempting to assess the risks and inform the local authorities.
Since January 26 this year, more than 20,000 earthquakes registering a magnitude of 1 or higher have been recorded in the Aegean Sea, the body of water between the volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos. This surge in seismic activity has triggered a state of emergency on Santorini and surrounding islands earlier this year, resulting in the evacuation of nearly half of Santorini's 11,000 residents. Emergency services were reinforced with additional personnel and specialised equipment to address the developing situation.
Experts aboard the RRS Discovery, a notable scientific research vessel, are conducting extensive studies of the sea floor around Santorini. Their efforts include mapping the island’s underwater hydrothermal system, a complex and less understood volcanic feature beneath the waves. Professor Isobel Yeo of the National Oceanography Centre in Britain explained to the BBC that understanding these underwater volcanoes presents significant challenges compared to terrestrial counterparts like Mount Vesuvius. She emphasised that while many people assume volcanic activity to be minor or controlled, underwater volcanoes have the capacity for large and destructive eruptions.
Greece declared a formal state of emergency in February amid ongoing seismic disturbances in the southern Aegean Sea. At that time, local residents expressed anxiety and disruption as daily life was significantly affected. Michalis Gerontakis, the director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, spoke to assembled reporters noting the widespread concern: “Everyone is anxious even if some of us hide it not to cause panic, but everyone is worried... Everything is closed. No one works now.”
The emergency declaration was eased last month when authorities reported that seismic activity had "noticeably dropped," allowing Santorini to prepare for the summer tourist season. The Greek Tourism Minister stated that life on the island was returning to normal. Despite this progress, precautionary measures remain in place; for example, a cable car service on Santorini has been suspended for at least three months as government officials continue to monitor seismic developments closely.
Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos has highlighted that the ongoing earthquake sequence in the region, affecting Santorini along with Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi islands, could be indicative of a larger volcanic or tectonic event yet to come. In a recent statement, he said, “All scenarios remain open. The number of tremors has increased, magnitudes have risen, and epicentres have shifted northeast. While these are tectonic quakes, not volcanic, the risk level has escalated.”
Authorities and scientists are maintaining vigilant observation as the situation develops, underscoring the complexity of monitoring volcanic activity beneath the sea and the challenges of predicting such natural events. Meanwhile, Santorini remains a focal point for both scientific investigation and tourism, with efforts ongoing to balance safety with the island’s economic dependence on visitors.
Source: Noah Wire Services