5.2 magnitude earthquake hits near Santorini, strongest in recent days

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck on Wednesday night, a few minutes after 9 p.m., in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos islands.

This is the strongest earthquake recorded near Santorini by the Geodynamic Institute in recent days. The area has been shaken by more than 6,400 tremors over the past nine days, alarming scientists and residents, many of whom are fleeing the island. 

On Tuesday, another 5.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded, with its epicenter located 22 kilometers southwest of Arkesini, Amorgos

According to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) the seismic activity exhibits characteristics of an earthquake swarm, as no single tremor has been significantly larger than the others to be classified as the main shock.

Regarding the potential evolution of the phenomenon, the NKUA outlines two possible scenarios: the activity may gradually subside, with smaller-magnitude earthquakes continuing for several months, or the swarm could trigger a larger main earthquake, followed by a typical aftershock sequence.

Earlier on Wednesday, the president of the Hellenic Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (OASP), Efthymis Lekkas, issued a warning about the heightened risk of landslides in Santorini due to ongoing seismic activity.

Source: ekathimerini.com