Locals prepare to leave the village of Fira, as the increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini. Despite the tremors, scientists are increasingly optimistic that the risk of a major earthquake is diminishing. The island’s residents were reassured by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who visited the area Friday to meet with locals. He assured both Santorini residents and those from nearby islands that the government is fully prepared to support them through the ongoing seismic activity. Santorini has experienced nearly 9,000 minor earthquakes since late January, with the seismic swarm now migrating northeast, according to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Its Department of Geophysics and Geothermics reported that the swarm, which began on January 24, has shown a clear northeastward movement. While such seismic swarms are not uncommon in volcanic regions like Santorini, the current activity’s intensity and duration are noteworthy. The island, known for its volcanic history, last experienced a significant eruption in the 1950s. [Reuters]
