On the 26th of June Santorini had a 5.1R earthquake around 23.37 at night.
We have to inform our visitors that the earthquake was quite strong and very near our island on the site of Couloumbos.
All latest reports claim that the major earthquake is over and the following smaller ones are a normal reaction.
If you want to watch the resent activity of earthquakes in Greece follow this link of the Univercity of Athens
http://www.geophysics.geol.uoa.gr/stations/maps/recent.html
No damages were reported at all.
Scientists report that the earthquakes were tecktonic and not volcanic but have to wait 48 hours just to be 100% sure.
A large earthquake activity all over Greece was reported yesterday(you can see all recent activity on the link I have posted).Small quakes from 1.9R to the big one here in our island 5,1R.
Santorini had always earthquakes and this is nothing new…So do not worry about it for the time being and enjoy your holidays….
Best Regards
Benjamin Deneke
I was in Santorini when the earthquake/ tremors were felt. We were staying in the IKIES resort in Oia, which has a good view over the caldera wall towards the islands to the east. At about 4 pm on the day of the tremors I noticed plumes of what looked like steam coming from the direction of the NE a little like the output from a power station. It was definitely not cloud as it rose very high in puffs. The cloud/steam was white. I remarked to my husband at the time that it looked like the sort of steam you might get from an underwater volcano. But as we were not aware that the volcano had moved position we dismissed the idea. It is possible that I was seeing the start of the plate shift.
I hope this is helpful.
Incidentally there were 5 tremors in all, the strongest seemed to occur about midnight. As none of the animals had fled, however, we were less worried than the other residents. All that we found were that we gathered a number of frightened cats and an equally frightened dog that all needed reassurance and who slept outside out house that night.
Dear Rosemary
Thank you for your comment.The cloud that you saw was probably a dust cloud.All the Caldera area has loose stones and soil that will drop to the sea with any small earthquake.
The Couloumbos underwater volcano is located on the other side of the island also called Couloumbos.There is a very very nice beach located there also.
As told the scientist assured as that the quakes where all tektonic and not volcanic soooo no fear of that monster going off yet.
I wish you the best and enjoy the rest of your stay in Santorini.
Best Regards
Benjamin Deneke
thanks for the info,i am planning to visit
santorini next week. any news from coulombos ?
what do the scientists say ?
greetings to my beloved santorini
Dear Thomas ,
all is looking good so far.The scientist said that the earthquakes where taktonic and not volcanic.It is normal for the Aegean islands to have a few earthquakes every year.
It was a bit scary though because of the repeated quakes in so close spaces.We all hope it is over now and wish a great holiday to all our visitors.
Best Regards
Benjamin Deneke