The Red Beach of Santorini has been closed as pieces of rock fell due to the earthquakes today (4/2).

Rocks are showing the color difference, and the point where the landslide has taken place can be seen, as they are white. This part has been detached and now the beach is not accessible and is completely closed.

This is one of the most popular beaches of Santorini and is located next to the archaeological site. Now access can only be made by boat.

The sea level has gone down which is obvious because there is another white spot that was previously in the water. It is worth noting that this is the first time that this beach has been closed.

Tourists were taking pictures

As reported in the show’s report, a group of Chinese tourists, about 15 people, had arrived at the site earlier today and sat on the edge of the cliff where rocks were also detached and took pictures.

A resident of the island and boat captain reported that the site was normally accessible until two days ago.

“For now for us locals, the pure locals, everything is calm. The people who are leaving are people who work here and people with young children. We are ready. Because of the National Guard, I am a National Guard on the island, there is planning, we know it and we can assist at any time. We are trying to be calm for the sake of all the people and help those who are not,” he also stressed.

Continuous landslides in Santorini

Earthquakes are continuing in the Cyclades region today. Indicative of the situation are the 17 earthquakes recorded within three hours in the area between Santorini and Amorgos.

Protothema.gr is in Santorini and recorded the landslides that continue for another day on the island, where concern among residents is evident. Thousands of people from Santorini have been forced to leave their homes, temporarily, for safety reasons. As the earthquake tremors continue, landslides are occurring in several parts of the island.

Speaking this morning, seismologist Athanasios Ganas said that the active seismic activity in Santorini, Andros and Amorgos is between 4 and 4.9 Richter and that this morning there was a 4.8 on the Richter scale and a 4.9 Richter earthquake at 04:45 in the morning. The scientist stressed this is good news saying that “it reinforces the cluster scenario, meaning we will not have a stronger earthquake.”

“At the moment we are not sure if there will be a bigger earthquake, it is still an open possibility. The 5-magnitude earthquake that occurred at noon on Tuesday may be the main one, but we will know that in two to three twenty-four hours, if a seismic sequence of aftershock characteristics occurs. However, at the moment that is not the case. The sequence with pre-earthquake characteristics is continuing and scientists’ vigilance and warnings are justified,” he added.

Gerasimos Papadopoulos reiterated “I think that the way the sequence is proceeding and has all the characteristics of pre-earthquakes, the magnitudes will rise further. I am not ready to answer whether it will be up to 6 Richter. We’ll see, it’s a matter of days.”

“The fault is resisting rupture”

“The fact that we have many earthquakes with relatively similar magnitudes means that the fault is resisting rupture. But the force system persists and every little bit it breaks again, a little bit more, step by step. That’s the big secret, to understand if there is a large volume of rock that is resisting. If so it goes to say that it is very hard and when it breaks – because at some point it will break – it will give a big earthquake. That may not be the case. It may be that the fault is exhausting its strength limits and will continue with similar magnitudes, maybe a little above or below 5 Richter until the process is complete,” the seismologist said.

Fire Department’s “Olympus” in Santorini – Massive withdrawals of residents continue

Traffic at the port of Santorini remains heavy, as several residents decided to temporarily leave the island due to the ongoing seismic activity.

Departures are taking place by any available means, either by ferry or by air. There is a lot of activity at the port, with queues forming at the ticket offices, while passengers are patiently waiting to board the ships that are departing with increased occupancy.

At the same time, the mobile operational center of the fire brigade “Olympos” arrived on the island at noon on Tuesday (4/2) to coordinate the forces in the area. The “Olympos” is used in large fires and crises throughout the country, especially in rugged areas where there are serious communication problems, and therefore coordination of the forces operating.