Concerns rise as over 200 earthquakes shake Greece's Santorini area

Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the Greek island of Santorini yesterday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.

Precautions were also ordered on several nearby Aegean Sea islands - all popular summer vacation destinations - after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded in the area over the past three days.

"These measures are precautionary, and authorities will remain vigilant," authorities said. "We urge citizens to strictly adhere to safety recommendations to minimize risk."

While experts say the earthquakes, measuring up to magnitude 4.7, are not linked to Santorini's volcano, they acknowledge that the pattern of seismic activity is cause for concern.

Schools were also ordered shut on the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi and Ios.

On Santorini, residents and visitors were advised to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas where rock slides could occur, while hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce potential building damage from an earthquake.

Earthquakes continued rattling the island yesterday morning, many over magnitude 4.0, and officials said many residents, including entire families, spent the night in their cars.

Crescent-shaped Santorini is a premier tourism destination with daily arrivals via commercial flights, ferries, and cruise ships. The island draws more than 3 million visitors annually to its whitewashed villages, built along dramatic cliffs formed by a massive volcanic eruption more than 3,500 years ago.

Associated Press