The news in Greek

"Στην Σαντορίνη και την Αμοργό έγιναν σεισμοί. Ο πιο μεγάλος σεισμός ήταν 4.7 Ρίχτερ. Η κυβέρνηση παίρνει μέτρα προστασίας . Τα σχολεία θα είναι κλειστά. Οι κάτοικοι πρέπει να αποφεύγουν μεγάλα κτίρια. Οι σεισμοί είναι τεκτονικοί , όχι ηφαιστειακοί. Οι ειδικοί παρακολουθούν την κατάσταση."

Translation

In Santorini and Amorgos, earthquakes have occurred. The largest earthquake measured 4.7 on the Richter scale. The government is taking protective measures. Schools will remain closed. Residents should avoid large buildings. The earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic. Experts are monitoring the situation.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What was the magnitude of the largest earthquake mentioned?

The largest earthquake was 4.7 Richter.

Question 2: What type of earthquakes are occurring in the Cyclades according to the summary?

The earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic.

Exercise: Vocabulary

(n.) - measure

(f.) - protection

(m.) - residents

Read the full story

▌03/02/2025

Recent days have seen significant seismic activity in the Cyclades, particularly between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos, with over 200 tremors recorded in the past 48 hours. The strongest of these earthquakes registered at magnitudes of 4.5 and 4.7 on the Richter scale, sparking concerns among residents and authorities alike.

The Greek government has responded swiftly to this activity. On Sunday, an emergency meeting was held at the Maximos Mansion, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and attended by officials and experts, including the Minister of Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias and scientific advisors. Following this, protective measures were announced, emphasizing the precautionary nature of the actions taken.

Authorities have proposed that schools remain closed in Santorini, Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos from Monday. Residents are advised to avoid large gatherings indoors, steer clear of derelict buildings, and ensure safety while traveling through potentially unstable areas.

Seismic Activity Sparks Precautionary Measures in Cyclades Seismic Activity Sparks Precautionary Measures in Cyclades (Illustration)

Notably, the series of earthquakes has been attributed to tectonic activity rather than volcanic activity, as clarified by Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (OASP). His inspection concluded that the current seismic events are linked to faults near Amorgos and are not connected to the volcanic structures beneath Santorini.

Sebastian Karastathis of the National Observatory of Athens indicated that more than 380 quakes have occurred since late January, underscoring the area’s significant tectonic potential. While the risk of a major quake cannot be entirely dismissed, experts like Professor Konstantinos Papazachos have urged caution, noting that the area's known faults necessitate ongoing vigilance and preparedness.

The likelihood of a significant eruption remains low, according to current geological assessments, but residents and visitors are encouraged to follow guidance from local authorities. The Greek authorities have ensured that the public remains informed through continuous monitoring of the situation.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office in the UK has updated its travel advice for Greece, cautioning British visitors to stay informed and heed local advice regarding the ongoing seismic disturbances in the Aegean Sea.

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