SANTORINI, GREECE, Feb 3 (AFP/APP): Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appealed for calm Monday after a wave of seismic tremors hit the tourist island of Santorini, prompting hundreds of locals to leave the picturesque spot in the Aegean.
Speaking from Brussels, Mitsotakis said authorities were monitoring a “very intense” geological phenomenon over recent days, adding: “I want to ask our islanders above all to remain calm.”
Known for its spectacular cliffside views and a dormant volcano, Santorini and neighbouring Aegean Sea islands have been hit by hundreds of tremors since last week, the largest with a magnitude of 4.9.
The neighbouring islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos have also been affected.
An experts’ committee on Monday said some 200 tremors over 3.0 magnitude had been recorded since Saturday.
The committee stressed that the phenomenon was “not linked to volcanic activity.”
The quakes prompted authorities to send rescue units to the area and close schools Monday. Some areas have been declared off-limits because of rockslide risks.
On Monday, it was decided to shut schools on the four islands until Friday.
Britain and France issued travel warnings, urging their nationals to follow the advice of local officials.
Greek authorities have also asked.
: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appealed for calm Monday after a wave of seismic tremors){kind=link}