(ANSA-AFP) - ATHENS, FEB 3 - Fresh overnight tremors shook
Greece's top tourist island Santorini, media reports said
Monday, prompting people to sleep outdoors and others to leave
by plane or ferry. Over 200 minor earthquakes were recorded at
sea or on surrounding islands, with the strongest -- of
magnitude 4.6 -- striking the waters between Santorini and
Amorgos on Sunday afternoon. An 4.2-magnitude quake was recorded
at 7:10 am (0510 GMT) on Monday northwest of the small island of
Anafi, near Santorini, the Institute of Geodynamics of the
National Observatory of Athens said. Efthymios Lekkas, the
president of the Organisation of Antiseismic Planning and
Protection, told ERT public broadcaster on Monday that there was
a "faint possibility of a 5.5 magnitude earthquake", but ruled
out one measuring over six. Greek media said several people
spent the night outdoors, either in their cars or areas
designated as safe by the authorities. Many left the island on
flights or ferries, media reports said. Schools on the island of
some 15,500 were closed on Monday. Greek authorities have asked
people to avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces and stay
away from certain ports, derelict buildings, and empty swimming
pools. Santorini welcomed 3.4 million visitors in 2023, raising
concerns over overtourism. (ANSA-AFP).
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