A robust earthquake struck Santorini, days after a spike in seismic activity was recorded on the volcanic island.
Measuring at a magnitude 5.2, it’s the most important earthquake on the Greek island in recent weeks, occurring at a depth of 5km.
No major damage has been reported but authorities are inspecting after it struck around 9 pm yesterday evening.
Scores of cars were seen crowding the ferry port as residents and tourists evacuated after the sharp increase in earthquakes in recent days.
‘We have now a really intense geological phenomenon to handle,’ Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said from Brussels, where he was attending a European meeting.
‘I need to ask our islanders at the start to stay calm, to take heed to the instructions of the civil protection (authority).’
People have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings, small ports and areas where rockslides could occur.
Hotels have been told to empty their swimming pools to cut back potential constructing damage.
Precautionary measures have also been carried out on several nearby islands within the Aegean Sea, all of that are popular holiday destinations after greater than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded over the past three days.
Mobile phones across Santorini have been blaring with alerts throughout the day, warning people of the potential for rockslides.
Experts have said that the seismic activity on the island, a few of whose most populated areas are perched on steep cliffs, will proceed for weeks.
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