The Turkish government has begun preparations for a potential earthquake and tsunami due to seismic activity on the island of Santorini, based on information from the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, Turkiye Today reported.
To alert the population in coastal areas, mobile siren systems were activated in Izmir, Aydin, and Mugla, and SMS notifications were initiated.
Since February 7, there have been 761 earthquakes with a magnitude of over 3.0 in the Aegean Sea. The Volcanic Eruption Response Agency (AFAD) is warning that fine ash produced by volcanic eruptions could be spread by winds, and a major earthquake could bring a tsunami to the Turkish shores.
“There are constant seismic tremors in the Aegean Sea. A major earthquake resulting from seismic activity in the Aegean could lead to consequences such as a severe earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption reaching Turkey,” the AFAD warning states.
AFAD officials conducted a “meeting to evaluate seismic activity and risk on the island of Santorini” to analyze potential hazards. Following the meeting, a decision was made to implement early warning systems along the shores of the Aegean Sea. Turkish Professor Şenol Hakan Kutoğlu expressed concern about the situation.
“Expansion of the Santorini crater does not necessarily mean an imminent eruption,” he said.
However, he mentioned that an earthquake with a magnitude over 8 could cause a tsunami with waves ranging from 3 to 5 meters high along the Turkish coasts.
Recent major earthquake observed in Turkey
As a reminder, in February 2023, Turkey experienced several strong earthquakes with magnitudes over 7.5 on the Richter scale. The natural disaster affected 11 provinces and neighboring countries. Over 50,000 people were killed.
