The Greek government has declared a state of emergency on Santorini Island. This is due to the ongoing earthquakes that began at the end of last month.
On the 7th, according to reports from the Greek daily Kathimerini and U.S. CNN, the Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection declared a state of emergency on Santorini Island on the 6th (local time).
Since the end of last month, earthquakes have been occurring almost daily, and the previous night saw an earthquake exceeding magnitude 5.0.
Kathimerini reported, "As the first earthquake exceeding magnitude 5.0 occurred, increasing the risk of landslides and falling rocks, the Greek government decided to declare a state of emergency."
According to the Athens Geodynamic Institute, a major seismic research institution in Greece, more than 6,000 earthquakes have occurred in the waters near Santorini Island, Amorgos Island, and Anafi Island over the past two weeks since the 26th of last month.
Santorini Island is located on the boundary between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate, classifying it as a region prone to earthquakes. However, continuous seismic activity like this is considered very unusual.
Meanwhile, residents of Santorini Island are quickly evacuating. Of the 16,000 residents, more than 11,000 have left the island by boat and plane.
In addition, tourist visits have come to a halt. Santorini Island has been noted as one of Europe's top tourist destinations due to its beautiful landscapes formed by volcanic activity, attracting 3.4 million visitors each year.