State of Emergency in Iconic Greek Destination
Greece's government declared a state of emergency late February 6 following hundreds of undersea earthquakes near Santorini, with the strongest a 5.2-magnitude tremor February 5. The seismic swarm unsettled residents and travelers on the Cyclades island, known for its whitewashed villages and sunsets drawing 2 million annual visitors.
Tourism Disruptions Loom
Local authorities temporarily suspended ferry services to assess port safety, while hotels activated emergency protocols. The island's airport remains operational but added extra security checks. Data shows seismic activity decreased since February 6, but scientists continue monitoring the submarine Kolumbo volcano 4 miles northeast of Santorini.
Geophysicist Dr. Maria Athanasiou told MyGlobalNews: \"While concerning, current patterns don’t indicate imminent eruption. Visitors should follow official guidance but avoid alarm.\"
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Live: Latest on Santorini after state of emergency is declared
cgtn.com
