AFAD issues danger warning for 3 provinces due to earthquakes in the Aegean Sea: Emergency meeting held

Increasing seismic activity in the Aegean Sea in recent days has caused concern along Turkey's western coasts. Following the earthquakes occurring on and around the island of Santorini, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has taken action against potential risks. During a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Interior Münir Karaloğlu, the earthquakes in the region, the risk of volcanic eruption, and the danger of a tsunami were discussed.

According to data shared by AFAD, 761 earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 3 have occurred in the region since January 28, 2025. It was stated that the largest earthquake had a magnitude of 5.2 Mw. The earthquakes were reported to have occurred 25 km northeast of the island of Santorini at a depth of 5-25 km.

It was announced that the earthquake closest to the Turkish coast was recorded at a distance of 140 km.

During the meeting, the possibility that the seismic activity in the region could lead to a volcanic eruption was evaluated. It was recalled that the Kolumbo volcano, located northeast of the island of Santorini, is active and that the last eruption occurred in 1950.

The location of the island of Santorini, the center of the earthquakes

WHICH PROVINCES ARE AT RISK?

Experts stated that in the event of a volcanic eruption, fine-grained ash could be carried by the wind and that the risk of a tsunami could reach the Turkish coast. At the meeting, it was decided to form an expert committee and to evaluate the risks that may arise for Turkey through daily reports. On the other hand, measures have begun to be taken against the possibility that a potential major earthquake in Santorini could affect İzmir, Aydın, and Muğla.

Mobile siren systems have been installed in İzmir, Aydın, and Muğla. Additionally, systems capable of sending warnings to citizens via SMS in emergencies have been prepared. AFAD noted that it will closely monitor developments through its teams in the region and will intervene immediately in case of an emergency.

The Kandilli Observatory's tsunami warning system has been integrated with AFAD's Disaster Management and Decision Support System (AYDES). In this way, a potential tsunami warning can be quickly delivered to the local population.

Greek experts announced that they have recorded more than 1400 earthquakes on and around the island of Santorini so far

TSUNAMI AND VOLCANIC ERUPTION RISK

Starting from February 10, information meetings will be held in Muğla, Aydın, and İzmir under the coordination of AFAD. Furthermore, scientific cooperation will be established with universities and research institutions in Greece. AFAD has put all its units in the region on alert, and personnel and equipment reinforcements have been provided from supporting provinces. All preparations have been completed for rapid intervention in a possible emergency.

A committee including experts from AFAD, MTA, the General Directorate of Meteorology, and the Kandilli Observatory has been formed. This committee will continuously monitor developments in the region. The General Directorate of Meteorology will prepare daily reports by analyzing the distribution of volcanic gas and ash in the atmosphere.

It was recalled that a 7.5 Mw magnitude earthquake occurred in the region in 1956, which caused a tsunami. Similar seismic activity was also experienced in 2011-2012, but no volcanic eruption occurred. Experts emphasized that such activities must be monitored continuously.