PM Mitsotakis on Santorini Quakes: Schools Closed, State on High Alert

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his weekly government progress report, on his social media account, addressed the ongoing earthquakes in Santorini. Mitsotakis announced that schools in Thira, (Thera) and the islands of Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until Friday, February 21.

The prime minister also highlighted several key initiatives, which included government measures to support workers in the municipalities of Thira and Amorgos, the addition of 100 new electric buses to the public transport system in Attica and the launch of a pilot program for policing public transport in Western Athens—which will be expanded across all areas covered by the Athens Urban Transport Organization.

He also highlighted the start of an initiative involving mobile health teams that will provide preventative screenings in Ormenio, in Evros, the country’s northernmost inhabited area and five other remote villages in Northern Evros.

Regarding the continuous seismic activity in Santorini Mitsotakis noted that scientists are now describing it as “an unprecedented phenomenon, with fluctuations in its intensity, making it impossible to safely predict its development at this time.”

He further stressed that the situation is closely monitored with scientists assessing the new data on a daily basis adding that “all state services are on high alert.”

The prime minister reassured citizens that every possible preventive measure is being taken, following the recommendations of experts who are part of the committees evaluating seismic risk and monitoring the volcanic arc, under the guidance of Greece’s Organization for Earthquake Planning & Protection.

Mitsotakis also announced that due to the persistent seismic activity in the area schools in Thira, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until Friday, February 21. He further said that on Sunday the relevant committee will convene again to evaluate any new data and determine whether further extensions of the measures are necessary.

Mitsotakis, urged all residents of the islands affected by the earthquakes to continue to follow the official instructions, to avoid gatherings in buildings and refrain from approaching abandoned structures or areas with stability issues for their safety.

Source: tovima.com