A joint ministerial decision issued on Sunday implements controlled access measures for residents and visitors in parts of the iconic islands of Santorini and Therasia in the Aegean Sea to limit the risks of landslides.
A landslide struck the volcanic island of Therasia on April 28 highlighting the need to implement safety measures. While no injuries were reported, several stores suffered significant damage.
The safety measures include traffic restrictions and signage, such as vehicle restrictions in Ammoudi, controlled disembarkation in Fira Bay to limit crowding and prioritized unloading in Athinios Port.
Warning signs in Greek, English, and French will be placed in high-risk areas.
According to a post by Civil Protection & Climate Change Minister Vassilis Kikilias these safety measures follow a 300,000 euro contract approved by the Ministry for maintenance and emergency works, while additional €230,000 are to be allocated for a study by the National Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP).
Με στόχο την ενδυνάμωση της ασφάλειας στη Σαντορίνη, εγκρίναμε σύμβαση ύψους 300.000 ευρώ για την υλοποίηση έργων συντήρησης και πρώτης επέμβασης, καθώς και κονδύλια 230.000 ευρώ για εκπόνηση μελέτης από τον ΟΑΣΠ.
Κοινή Υπουργική Απόφαση προβλέπει προσωρινούς περιορισμούς…
— Vassilis Kikilias (@Vkikilias) May 26, 2024
“A Joint Ministerial Decision provides for temporary traffic restrictions to avoid exposure to landslide risk until October 31, installation of warning signs in three languages to inform the public, and controlled disembarkation and departure of cruise ship passengers by the competent port authorities.
At the same time, a set of projects to reduce the landslide risk has been foreseen, which mainly concern extensive supports along the caldera area, slope support at high risk points and corresponding structural interventions.
The safety of the island’s residents and visitors remains our highest priority,” the Minister stressed.
These measures in Santorini and Therasia will be in effect until October 31, 2024.
