A volcanic eruption cannot be ruled out as seismic activity has continued to impact Santorini, Greece, since late January, according to Professor Kostas Synolakis, a natural disaster expert.
Speaking to Greek TV station MEGA, Synolakis acknowledged the ongoing earthquake swarm but reassured residents, stating, “If I lived there, I would return home – provided my house was well built and complied with modern building regulations.”
The seismic activity, which includes a 5.3-magnitude quake recorded on Monday, February 10, has triggered concerns.
Synolakis outlined three possible scenarios: a gradual fading of the activity, a major earthquake of unpredictable magnitude, or a small volcanic eruption at Nea Kameni or the Kolumbo submarine volcano.
He emphasised that a volcanic eruption would not be a cause for fear, noting that Santorini has experienced small eruptions in the past without casualties.
The swarm of earthquakes, with several thousand recorded, has alarmed authorities. In response, a state of emergency has been declared, and rescue crews have been deployed to the island.
Thousands of residents and tourists have left, and schools on Santorini and nearby islands are closed for the week. Additional medical staff and disaster teams are on standby at Santorini’s hospital.
Since January 26, about 12,000 quakes have been recorded, with 109 on Monday alone.
Source: Ekathimerini.
