Port to be built on Santorini for emergency evacuations: Risk of volcanic eruption persists
As seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece has begun taking emergency evacuation measures. Greek authorities have announced that they will build a special port on the island in response to the possibility of an eruption of the volcano on Santorini.
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It has been noted that Greece will build a special port on the island of Santorini for use by ships in emergency situations due to the seismic activity occurring on Greek islands in the Aegean.
Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias stated in an interview with the ANT1 television channel that the people of Santorini should move away from coastal areas to higher ground in the event of any major earthquake in the near or long term.
Kikilias stated that following their meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, they decided, in cooperation with the Hellenic Armed Forces, to build an additional special port to be used in the event of an earthquake, separate from the large port already under construction on the island.
Stating that there are numerous underwater volcanic areas in the Aegean, Kikilias noted that recent magma movements in the region are also being monitored by experts.
Kikilias underscored that ground uplift and ground displacement on the island of Santorini are also being monitored by experts.
EARTHQUAKES IN THE AEGEAN SEA
The increased seismic activity on the Greek island of Santorini over the last month continues. According to statements by authorities, numerous earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 3.5 to 5.2 have been recorded. The tremors have caused anxiety among residents and tourists on the island.
While some local residents have headed to safe areas, those living in coastal sections have chosen to move to inland regions or leave the island. Teams accompanied by unmanned aerial vehicles and search-and-rescue dogs have been dispatched to Santorini against potential emergencies. Teams are standing by at a logistics center established near the island's hospital for possible interventions.
Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos said in a statement regarding the matter, 'We have raised our precautions to the highest level. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure public safety and are monitoring developments in real-time.'
Additional seismographs have been placed at various points on the island to better analyze seismic movements. Experts are conducting detailed investigations to understand whether the tremors are a precursor to a larger earthquake.
Against the risk of a tsunami, some residents in coastal areas are trying to minimize the impact of waves by placing sandbags in front of their homes and churches. Authorities have asked the public not to panic and to follow official statements.