Panayotis Papadimitriu, retired Professor of Seismology from the University of Athens, stated that the New Kameni volcano in the Greek island of Santorini in the Aegean, which has experienced seismic activity in recent days, has become active since the end of January.

In statements to the Greek press, Papadimitriu noted that volcanic activity is associated with ground deformation in the region, and he discussed two possible scenarios regarding the seismic activity on Santorini and the nearby Yumurgi Island.

According to Papadimitriu, in the first scenario, the seismic activity could weaken and eventually stop over time, but in the second scenario, he emphasized the possibility of an earthquake with a magnitude of 6 to 6.3.

Panayotis Papadimitriu also mentioned that such an earthquake would not have a major impact on the surrounding islands because the epicenter is far away.

“VOLCANO BECAME ACTIVE” Papadimitriu remarked, “We must take into account that the New Kameni volcano has become active since the end of January and will occupy us in the future.”

WILL A MAJOR SANTORINI EARTHQUAKE TRIGGER THE VOLCANO?

The Interdisciplinary Risk and Crisis Management Committee of the University of Athens reported that seismic activity is lower compared to recent weeks. The coordinator of the committee, Efthimios Lekkas, stated that the most likely scenario in the region is for the tremors to gradually decrease, while for the second scenario, he said, “Triggering an earthquake of magnitude 6 or slightly larger.”

“NOT EXPECTED FOR 10 THOUSAND YEARS” Regarding the possibility of volcanic activity, Lekkas mentioned, “There is no expectation of any volcanic eruption in the near future.” He added, “The eruption of Kolumbo is not expected for the next 10 thousand years, and discussions about a potential new volcano concern something that could happen in 200 thousand years. As a result, these scenarios have no place in operational planning.”