The Greek Army will construct an evacuation port in Santorini as part of Greece’s preparations for a major earthquake.
The Greek Government has decided to construct an evacuation port in Santorini, due to the ongoing seismic activity that has been affecting the island since the end of January.
Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said in an interview on ANT1’s “Good Morning Greece” show that it was decided in a meeting with the Prime Minister to set up an evacuation port in Santorini, in a location where passenger ships can dock in case of need for the safe evacuation of residents and visitors in the event of a stronger earthquake.
Santorini has experienced tens of thousands of small earthquakes in recent weeks, leading to the evacuation of citizens from the island, the halting of construction activities and the closure of schools. Although no serious damage has been reported, scientists are concerned about the possibility of larger earthquakes, given the unprecedented seismic activity.
The project will be implemented immediately by the Greek Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Civil Protection and the contractor. It is recalled that a team of the Military Geographical Service (GYS) is located in Santorini to conduct measurements .
The Construction and Disaster Management Administration (DIKAFKA) of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS) is expected to play an active role in the construction of the evacuation port in Santorini.
The Greek Military Geographical Service has deployed two special teams in Santorini, which conduct:
- Geodetic measurements via GNSS satellite receivers at triangulated points in the area (approximately 20 in number). By comparing new and older data, it can be determined whether there is ground movement, an element associated with seismic or volcanic activity.
- Gravity measurements through a specialized instrument ( gravimeter , or gravimeter ), which records changes in the Earth’s gravity field at over 100 points on the island. Changes in gravity can indicate movements of rocks in the subsurface and possible changes in their mass, which may be related to geological phenomena.