More earthquakes recorded between Santorini and Amorgos
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Five more earthquakes were recorded in the sea area between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the Geodynamics Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.
The strongest quake, with a magnitude of 5.0, struck at 3.14 a.m., approximately 24 km south-southwest of Arkesini, a settlement in southern Amorgos.
It was followed by four smaller tremors, measuring 4.0, 4.6, 4.0, and 4.1 in magnitude, occurring at 3.35 a.m., 4.14 a.m., 4.18 a.m., and 4.23 a.m., respectively, within 20-25 km of Arkesini.
More than 14,000 tremors have been detected since January 26, with over 1,100 recorded on February 9 alone.
“We are still within the swarm sequence. Although strong earthquakes have occurred, none stand out as a main shock,” said George Kaviris, associate professor of seismology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
“For that to happen, an earthquake would need to be at least 0.5 magnitude stronger than the largest recorded so far.”
The most powerful so far – a 5.3-magnitude temblor – struck Monday night.
Authorities have installed new monitoring stations at Cape Kolumbo, the islet of Anydro, and the island of Ios to improve seismic tracking.
The National Tsunami Warning Center has also deployed a tide gauge on Santorini’s northeast coast.
Meanwhile, prominent seismologist Akis Tselentis resigned from the National Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment, citing political interference.
“I cannot accept arbitrary impositions by political leadership in committee meetings without official appointments,” he stated in his resignation letter.
In response to the crisis, the Labor Ministry has introduced emergency measures for affected businesses on Santorini, including employment suspensions similar to those enacted during the pandemic.
Employees placed on leave will receive state compensation of €534 per month, with full insurance coverage.
As seismic activity remains high, scientists warn that while the swarm is expected to continue, the possibility of a larger earthquake cannot be ruled out.
