A series of at least 51 earthquakes shook the Aegean Sea on February 8 between 01:52 and 12:16 TSI, according to data from the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.

The tremors, ranging in magnitude from 1.9 to 4.8, were concentrated in the Cycladic region, particularly south-southwest of Arkesini, Amorgos, near Anafi, and northeast of Santorini.

The strongest earthquake in the sequence, a magnitude 4.8 tremor at a depth of 10 km, struck at 12:00 TSI, centered 17 km south-southwest of Arkesini, Amorgos.

The majority of the earthquakes were clustered around Arkesini, Amorgos, at depths between 7 km and 15 km, with some deeper tremors.  The Anafi region experienced smaller earthquakes (magnitude 2.0-3.3), and three quakes, the strongest a magnitude 2.7, were recorded northeast of Santorini.

Of the 51 quakes, three were above magnitude 4.0, 20 ranged from 3.0 to 3.9, and 26 were between 2.0 and 2.9.

In related developments, the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens announced on Friday that more than 8,900 earthquakes have been recorded along the Santorini-Amorgos axis in the southern Aegean since January 26. However, despite the frequent tremors, experts from the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the National University of Athens report that overall seismic activity appears to be gradually decreasing. Their assessment is supported by both conventional monitoring methods and recent artificial intelligence analysis.

In response to the ongoing seismic activity, Greece’s seismic and volcanic risk committees are scheduled to meet on Saturday to review the latest data and formulate recommendations for the authorities. Among the topics on the agenda is the safety of school operations in affected regions, with scientists expected to advise whether educational institutions should remain open amid the fluctuating seismic conditions.

As the Cycladic islands continue to experience tremors, local authorities and experts remain vigilant, monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety and minimize risk to residents and visitors alike. (ILKHA)