“Tsunami risk in Santorini”! What could happen if the Kolumbo volcano in Greece erupts? Here’s what the study says

Professor of Geophysics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and president of the Santorini Volcano Study and Monitoring Institute (IMPIS), Kostas Papazachos, has analyzed possible scenarios of a tsunami triggered by the underwater Kolumbo volcano, located about 6 kilometers northeast of Santorini.

The study, published in the *Bulletin of Volcanology*, uses simulations of gravity-driven sea waves.

The results indicate that the ports and areas within the Santorini caldera are relatively safe, with small waves up to one meter. However, the eastern and southeastern coasts, such as Monolithos, Kamari, and Perissa, are more vulnerable and could experience waves of 5 to 10 meters in the event of a complete collapse of the Kolumbo caldera. The tsunami waves could reach the nearest shores in just 2–3 minutes and the more distant ones within 10 minutes.

Papazachos emphasizes that these scenarios do not indicate an immediate danger but are important for preparing for an extreme event in the future. He suggests that residents and visitors should be aware of safe locations where they can evacuate in case of a tsunami warning.

“Santorini remains safe, but these studies help improve emergency plans and protect residents and visitors from a specific risk,” the professor said.

“KORÇA BOOM”