The Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Hazard Assessment and the Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc convened on Sunday due to heightened seismic activity between the volcanic islands of Thira (Santorini) and Amorgos.
Over 200 tremors have been recorded in the Anydros sea region in the past 48 hours, with magnitudes reaching up to 4.5.
According to the committees, seismic activity within the caldera continues to decline, though recent activity remains elevated. Experts have confirmed that the tremors are linked to submarine faults with a NE-SW direction and are not related to volcanic activity.
As a result, authorities have implemented several precautionary measures. Schools in Thira, Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos will remain closed on Monday, February 3.
Citizens are advised to avoid large indoor gatherings, stay clear of abandoned buildings, and refrain from visiting the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfos, and the Old Port of Fira. Building owners are also urged to remove dangerous elements and drain swimming pools.
Costas Papazachos, a professor of geophysics, emphasised that while the worst-case scenario could involve an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or higher, “this does not necessarily mean that there will be a strong earthquake… but we have to take measures.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired an emergency meeting in Athens, while local authorities in Santorini prepared for possible evacuation, setting up emergency tents and placing police and fire services on high alert.
