Earthquakes in Santorini, Experts Warn: Risk to Buildings! This Tourist Season Could Also Fail

Santorini, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, is facing a wave of small earthquakes that have raised concerns about the safety of the many buildings constructed on the island’s volcanic cliffs. Although these tremors have not yet caused serious damage, they have increased fears that seismic activity could continue for weeks, threatening the stability of structures and the tourism industry in the area.

According to scientists, around 7,000 small-magnitude earthquakes have been recorded in just one week. Efthymios Lekkas, a renowned seismology expert, emphasized that while modern buildings are safer, older and abandoned structures could be at risk in the event of a stronger earthquake, such as a 6-magnitude quake. “In Santorini, we have a mix of buildings, from historic and traditional ones to luxury hotels built on the island’s slopes. The latter are particularly vulnerable due to the soft and unstable nature of the ground,” explained Lekkas.

One of the main concerns of experts is that, over the past decades, insufficient attention has been paid to environmental and safety issues regarding the numerous constructions on the island. In particular, hotels and tourist resorts built on Santorini’s steep slopes may be exposed to landslides in the event of stronger seismic activity. For this reason, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency and taken precautionary measures to protect residents and tourists on the island.

Authorities have warned of landslides in five critical areas, including Santorini’s main port, a key point for the transportation of goods and tourists. Due to the tremors, thousands of people have left the island by plane and ferry, raising concerns about the potential impact on the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

Many Santorini residents are accustomed to earthquakes, as Greece is located in a seismically active zone. However, the intensity and frequency of recent tremors have significantly increased the sense of insecurity. Mathaios Kourgialis, the owner of a small hotel on the island, expressed his concerns about the future of his business. “The hotel was open, and we had many bookings. Some guests got scared and left, but most chose to stay. However, if this situation continues for another two months, we will lose this tourist season,” he said.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has visited Santorini to assess the situation and reassure citizens and local businesses that the island’s buildings are constructed according to strict safety standards. “Greece has experience with earthquakes, and we have a very strong building code that is enforced throughout the country, especially in high-risk seismic areas. That’s why we feel safe,” Mitsotakis stated.

Despite these assurances, the successive tremors recorded on Saturday, occurring between Santorini and Amorgos, have heightened uncertainty. Scientists have called for patience, recommending at least two more weeks of monitoring before reaching more accurate conclusions about the evolution of this phenomenon. They stress that measures must be taken to ensure the safety of buildings and residents.

The impact of these earthquakes is not limited to building safety but also has direct consequences on tourism and the economy. Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of tourists every year. If the situation persists, tour operators may face massive booking cancellations and a significant decline in revenue. This would be a severe blow to the local economy, which depends primarily on tourism, services, and the hospitality industry.

Local residents and businesses are trying to find ways to cope with this unstable situation. Some have taken additional safety measures for their buildings, while others are working to inform tourists about safety precautions and the measures taken by authorities. Many hope that seismic activity will subside and that the tourist season will not suffer further damage.

Meanwhile, experts are closely monitoring the situation and conducting continuous measurements to predict any possible changes in seismic activity. They emphasize that while small earthquakes are common in this region, it is crucial to assess the risk of a stronger quake and take protective measures to minimize potential consequences.

In conclusion, as Santorini faces an uncertain situation, authorities and experts are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The government has taken steps to monitor the situation and strengthen building safety, while local businesses are striving to maintain economic stability during this challenging period. The island’s future in the coming weeks will depend on further seismic activity and the measures taken to address this natural phenomenon.

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“KORÇA BOOM”