Santorini, Greece.
As seismic activity in the southeastern Cyclades eases, Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) has decided that schools on Santorini and Amorgos can safely reopen on March 4.
The decision comes after a thorough safety assessment carried out by OASP’s Permanent Special Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Seismic Risk Reduction, in collaboration with the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc.
The committees’ experts conducted on-site inspections of public buildings on both islands and confirmed their structural integrity, ensuring they can safely reopen after the recent series of earthquakes.
However, the committees highlighted that earthquake safety precautions should remain in place, as the risk of aftershocks, while significantly reduced, has not been entirely eliminated.
As a precautionary measure, schools and the local community are advised to observe the following guidelines:
– Avoid abandoned buildings, which may have sustained structural damage.
– Refrain from accessing or remaining at the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfos, and the Old Port of Fira.
– Remove non-structural hazards from buildings, such as heavy overhanging objects, suspended ceilings, and water from swimming pools.
– Identify safe evacuation routes, particularly in areas prone to landslides, such as steep slopes.
– Move away from coastal areas in the event of a strong tremor, as a precaution against potential tsunami risk.
Photo source: General Lyceum of Thira
During their latest meeting, experts also reviewed the study “Operational Actions for Reducing Landslide Risk in the Caldera of the Santorini Volcanic Complex.” Based on their findings, they will recommend a series of preventive measures to mitigate future landslide risks in the area.
According to a report from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, released on February 27, more than 24,800 earthquakes have been recorded since the seismic activity began, with some exceeding a magnitude of 5.0.
In a positive development, seismic activity has shown a sharp decline: on February 26, just over 60 earthquakes were recorded, compared to 300 daily tremors in the days prior. The strongest quake on that day measured 4.0 magnitude.
For ongoing updates, safety information, and official guidance, residents and visitors are encouraged to consult the official platforms of OASP and the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
Source link
