Greece holds emergency meeting over increased seismic activity around Aegean islands

ATHENS/ISTANBUL

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened an emergency meeting late Sunday following a surge in seismic activity in the Aegean Islands region.

The meeting, attended by government officials and experts, focused on the recent tremors and potential measures to prepare for a larger earthquake.

According to data from the Athens Institute of Geodynamics, more than 380 minor earthquakes, some as small as magnitude 1.3 and others up to 4.8 in magnitude, have been recorded in the region since Jan. 24.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias assured the public that the measures taken so far are precautionary. He urged citizens to comply with the decisions and restrictions put in place.

On Amorgos Island in the Aegean Sea, local authorities announced the suspension of classes at kindergartens and primary and secondary schools on Monday. Cultural events were also canceled, and residents were advised to avoid gathering in enclosed spaces.

Precautionary measures were also implemented on Santorini island, where search and rescue teams, drones and rescue dogs were deployed. Tents were set up for emergency teams, and pools were drained to prevent potential damage to buildings during a quake, according to local media.