Santorini tremors spark emergency and crime fears
An emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Santorini due to ongoing underground tremors. The decision is effective until 1 March. The civil guard is protecting abandoned homes from thieves. Residents are leaving, fearing the tremors, which attract criminals.
The authorities of Santorini, the popular Greek island, have declared an emergency in response to the seismic tremors that have been ongoing for several days. This state will be in effect until 1 March. The statement highlights that the decision aims to "meet urgent needs and manage the effects of the current seismic activity".
Increased seismic activity
In the last 10 days, 6,400 tremors have been recorded between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos. The strongest one, with a magnitude of 5.2, occurred on Wednesday evening. During the night from Wednesday to Thursday, residents of Santorini felt up to 19 tremors with magnitudes exceeding 4.
"These continuous tremors are already starting to tire us. Especially last night. It didn't stop." People are worried, but the biggest problem is that we can't sleep at all, admitted the Mayor of Anafi Island, Iakowos Pussos, in a conversation with the AMNA agency. Nevertheless, the residents remain calm.
The local authorities declared an emergency state to manage the situation better and ensure the safety of residents and tourists. Despite the concerns, island residents remained calm and continued as usual.
Abandoned homes are an opportunity for thieves
Many residents have left their homes, attracting thieves. A local entrepreneur, Nikos Zotos, informs that the civil guard is now watching over abandoned areas.
On Wednesday, 5 February, a foreigner was arrested for robbing a bus. Zotos reported that there were two other thefts that day. The civil guard is actively working to protect abandoned homes from criminals.
There are never large, organised groups of Poles on Santorini at this time of year. Travel agencies send tourists on optional excursions there, mainly from April to September, so February is a "dead season" in this respect.
