Tremors and tension: Santorini's seismic challenge
In the span of 10 days, nearly 13,000 tremors of varying intensity were recorded on the Greek island of Santorini. This situation is causing concern, not only among the Greeks but also in Turkey, which neighbours Greece across the sea. Preparations are underway there for the potential arrival of a tsunami.
From February 1 to 10, almost 13,000 tremors were registered on Santorini, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.3. Scientists in Greece do not rule out that the underground tremors recorded around Amorgos and Santorini islands may continue for weeks or even months. Both islands are under a state of emergency. As reported by the eKathimerini portal, experts also consider the possibility of stronger earthquakes, even with a magnitude of 6.5.
The Greek Tsunami Warning Centre is on high alert and monitoring the situation around the islands.
Fears of a tsunami
Although the Greek Tsunami Warning Centre assures that there is currently no elevated risk of this phenomenon, neighbouring countries to the islands, such as Turkey and Israel, are preparing for a potential cataclysm. "It's good that they are on standby," said Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopulos to MEGA television. He noted that "a potential tsunami could reach Turkey in just 45 minutes."
Turkey and Israel want to be prepared
Turkish professor Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu warns that an 8 magnitude earthquake in the Aegean Sea could trigger tsunami waves ranging from 3 to 5 metres. The authorities of Turkey and Israel are preparing for such an eventuality to minimize potential losses.
Turkey has already installed alarm sirens in the cities of Izmir, Aydin, and Mugla. Additionally, a text message alert system has been activated to warn residents of the danger.
Centre representative Marinos Charalambakis emphasized in an interview with the "Kathimerini" newspaper that several factors influence the occurrence of a tsunami, including the magnitude and depth of the tremor and the sea depth.
Possible scenarios
According to seismologist Prof. Kostas Synolakis, there are three possible scenarios for the development of events. The best scenario involves a gradual weakening and cessation of seismic activity. The second scenario is an earthquake of unspecified magnitude. The third scenario is a small-scale volcanic eruption on an uninhabited, small islet of Nea Kameni, located in the Santorini Bay, or an eruption of the underwater volcano Kolumbo, which is located about 8 kilometres northeast of Santorini.
