Emergency crews have been deployed to Santorini, a popular Greek island, after a surge in seismic activity triggered fears of a powerful earthquake. Over 200 undersea quakes have been recorded in the area over the past three days, prompting authorities to issue warnings and evacuate some areas.
Authorities have deployed emergency rescue crews to Greece ’s volcanic island of Santorini - a popular destination with Irish holidaymakers - as hundreds of people scrambled to leave after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.
Mobile phones on the island blared with alert warnings about the potential for rockslides, while several earthquakes caused loud rumbles. Authorities banned access to some seaside areas, including the island’s old port, which are close to cliffs. Government officials met scientists throughout the weekend and on Monday to assess the situation, while schools were ordered shut on the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi and Ios for the week. The frequency of the quakes, which continued throughout Sunday night and into Monday, has worried residents and visitors.
Some residents and local workers headed to travel agents seeking plane or ferry tickets to leave the island. “We’ve had earthquakes before but never anything like this. This feels different,” said Nadia Benomar, a Moroccan tour guide who has lived on the island for 19 years. She bought a ferry ticket on Monday for the nearby island of Naxos.A queue of cars and hundreds of people formed at the island’s main port on Monday afternoon to catch a ferry leaving Santorini.
That eruption, which occurred around 1620 BC, destroyed a large part of the island, blanketed a wide area in yards of ash and is believed to have contributed to the decline of the ancient Minoan civilisation, which had flourished in the region. Although it is still an active volcano, the last notable eruption occurred in 1950.
EARTHQUAKE GREECE SANTORINI VOLCANO TRAVEL
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Island popular with Irish tourists rocked by earthquakes as hundreds fleeThe increase in seismic activity around the tourist island of Santorini is causing concern among officials, who have ordered schools to shut across the island and warned locals to drain their pools
Read more »
Greece’s Santorini on alert for earthquake after seismic activityMore than 200 tremors registered since Friday between volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos
Read more »
Greek-Inspired One-Pot Roast ChickenThis comforting and light one-pot roast chicken recipe takes inspiration from Greek salad flavors. Perfect for cooler weather, it's easy to make and features tender chicken and flavorful roasted vegetables.
Read more »
The Skyros test: Is there space for a grumpy cynic on a Greek holistic retreat?Will yoga, writing classes, singing, art, meditation and a wide variety of guests and stunning scenery inspire Gemma Tipton to pen a blockbuster?
Read more »
Jennifer Lopez 'reaches out to ex Ben Affleck' as LA wildfires see him flee homeJennifer Lopez's ex-husband, Ben Affleck, was forced to evacuate his home in Los Angeles after savage wildfires wreaked havoc in California
Read more »
Gardai flee samurai sword-wielding thug as he rushes at them in dressing gownThe yob screamed 'Sick in the head, no medication' as he hacked at the Garda car with his weapon
Read more »