Santorini, Greece – While the recent spate of earthquakes in Santorini appears to be calming, a new threat lingers: the increased risk of landslides.
According to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the numerous tremors have destabilized slopes across the island, leaving it vulnerable even after the seismic activity ceases.
A team of researchers from NKUA’s Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management, led by Professor Efthymios Lekkas, has been on the ground in Santorini, assessing the extent of the damage. Working alongside Professors Niki Evelpidou and Asimina Antonarakou, the team has been monitoring the earthquake sequence and its aftermath, focusing on identifying areas with the highest risk of landslides. They have also been calibrating prediction models to better understand and anticipate future events.
The island’s unique geology makes it particularly susceptible to landslides. Steep slopes, combined with the varied composition of the rocks and alternating layers of materials with differing resistance to erosion, create a precarious environment. Human activity, such as construction and development, further exacerbates these vulnerabilities.
Of particular concern are areas exhibiting differential erosion, where softer rocks erode, leaving more resistant layers exposed and prone to collapse. Volcanic lava flows, common on Santorini, are a prime example, as they can lose support from the underlying rock and become unstable.
The research team has already pinpointed several high-risk locations and is conducting detailed mapping and documentation. They stress that the threat of landslides remains even after the earthquakes subside, as heavy rainfall could trigger collapses. Further research missions are planned to continue monitoring the situation and refine risk assessments. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness in mitigating the potential impact of future landslides on this iconic island.