Authorities have declared a state of emergency on a second Greek island as earthquakes continue to affect the southeastern Aegean Sea region. The emergency was declared on Amorgos, following a similar decision for Santorini on February 7, after a series of unusual tremors were detected in an undersea area near both islands, as well as Ios and Anafi, all popular tourist destinations.
Initially, scientists were hopeful that the seismic activity was subsiding, but the emergence of several earthquakes around magnitude 5 has heightened concerns. Seismologists have observed that the epicenters of these earthquakes are steadily moving northward towards Amorgos.
The emergency declaration aims to ensure the swift deployment of resources and emergency services in the area. The region has already witnessed a significant mobilization of fire departments, police, coast guard, and armed forces, especially on Santorini, where many residents and seasonal workers have evacuated the island.
Since January 26, approximately 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 1 have been recorded, according to the University of Athens’ crisis management committee. While Greece is located in a seismically active region and experiences frequent earthquakes, this prolonged and intense series of tremors is highly unusual for any part of the country.