Santorini landslide risk study underway amid seismic activity
A detailed study of Santorini’s terrain is being conducted to identify areas at high risk of landslides following more than 21,500 earthquakes recorded in the region since January 26. Of these, 18,600 exceeded magnitude 1.0 on the Richter scale.
The research is led by the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Professor Efthymios Lekkas, along with professors Niki Evelpidou and Asimina Antonarakou, is assessing the island’s slopes, which have been destabilized by the seismic activity. Although the frequency of earthquakes has decreased since mid-February, risks remain high in areas with steep gradients, weak rock composition and human activity. Zones of differential erosion, where softer rocks erode and expose harder layers, are particularly vulnerable, as are volcanic lava formations.
During a meeting on Tuesday with Santorini’s Local Operational Coordination Body for Civil Protection, Lekkas outlined potential scenarios. The most likely is a gradual de-escalation of seismic activity, while a less probable scenario involves a magnitude 6.0 earthquake, which could damage 200-300 buildings in the caldera. Reassuringly, no volcanic eruption is expected in the near future, with the Kolumbo volcano likely to remain dormant for the next 10,000 years.
Ground displacements have been recorded, with the northern part of the island shifting by 8 centimetres and the southern part by 4 centimetres. However, these changes occur over geological timeframes and do not pose an immediate threat.
The committee also addressed practical concerns, including the reopening of schools, which will remain closed until the end of the week for psychological reasons, despite no structural damage. Access restrictions based on risk levels and measures to prevent overcrowding in hazardous areas were also discussed. Tsunami risks were assessed, with waves not expected to exceed 3-4 meters in height.
As Santorini prepares for the upcoming tourist season, the committee emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure safety and operational readiness. The findings aim to balance risk management with the island’s economic and social activities, ensuring Santorini remains both safe and accessible.
Source: ekathimerini.com
