6 days ago
21
Greece is set to build an evacuation port on the island of Santorini to ensure a safe escape route in case of a stronger earthquake, Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced on Monday.
The decision comes after weeks of continuous seismic activity that has unsettled residents and tourists alike.
Since late January, Santorini, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, has experienced tens of thousands of mild tremors. While no significant damage has been reported, authorities have imposed precautionary measures, including banning construction, shutting down schools, and advising people to stay away from coastal areas and steep slopes prone to landslides.
Scientists have described the ongoing seismic activity as unprecedented, even for a quake-prone country like Greece. Although the island’s main ferry port and other key locations remain functional, experts have identified structural weaknesses that could pose risks in an emergency. To address this, Kikilias confirmed that a temporary evacuation port will be established to allow safe docking for passenger ferries while long-term infrastructure improvements are underway.
“Along with the new port in Santorini which is being prepared, there was a decision for setting up an escape port on the part of the island where passenger ferries would be able to dock in an emergency,” Kikilias told Greek broadcaster ANT1.
Despite a slight reduction in tremors over the weekend, local authorities have extended emergency measures for a third consecutive week. Seismology professor Costas Papazachos, a spokesperson for the Santorini quakes, has warned that the situation is far from over.
“Both authorities and habitants should get used to a rather unpleasant situation for some time, it could be another two, three months,” Papazachos told public broadcaster ERT.
Santorini’s unique geography is shaped by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history, dating back to around 1600 BC. Experts believe the recent seismic activity is being caused by shifting tectonic plates and magma movement, which has been pushing the island’s subsurface layers upwards.
While the risk of a major earthquake remains uncertain, Greek authorities are taking all necessary precautions to protect residents and visitors on the popular tourist island.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
English (US) ·