Seismic activity continues in the Aegean Sea between the Greek islands of Santorini (Thira) and Amorgos. At 09:22 AM local time on Sunday, a seismic tremor with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded, according to the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 36 km northeast of Santorini at a depth of 2 km.
Earlier, at 08:48, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 was registered, with its epicenter 28 km northeast of Santorini and a focus depth of 10 km.
Another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 occurred at 10:37 in the maritime area between Santorini and Amorgos.
Experts emphasize that "the earthquakes are not volcanic." Nevertheless, the ongoing activity indicates that larger underground shocks cannot be ruled out.
This fact is what concerns seismologists the most - the seismic activity is persistent, continuing to produce earthquakes every few minutes, with some exceeding a magnitude of 4.
Emergency Meeting and Precautionary Measures
In light of the intense seismic activity in the region, a meeting of the Permanent Scientific Committee for the Assessment and Reduction of Seismic Risk and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc (OASP) was held on Saturday.
As a result, the following precautionary measures were decided:
1. Schools should remain closed on Monday, 03/02/2025.
2. Citizens are advised to avoid large gatherings in enclosed areas.
3. Avoid visiting and staying at the Old Port of Ammoudi in Oia and the Old Port of Fira.
The 1956 Earthquake
On July 9, 1956, a powerful earthquake struck this area. Its magnitude was 7.7. The epicenter was located south of the island of Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Significant destruction occurred on Amorgos and the neighboring island of Santorini. This was the largest earthquake in Greece in the 20th century. Thirteen minutes later, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred near Santorini. It triggered a massive tsunami, with a maximum height reaching 30 meters. As a result of the combined effects of the earthquake and tsunami, 53 people lost their lives, and another 100 were injured.