Israel must ramp up preparations for a possible tsunami, the Deputy Head of the National Security Council emphasized during an emergency meeting with government ministries and disaster response agencies on Wednesday. The warning comes amid heightened seismic activity in Greece, particularly in the Santorini region, where thousands of small earthquakes have been recorded in recent days.
Experts caution that tsunamis have struck Israel in the past and could happen again. While predicting the exact timing and impact of a tsunami remains impossible, seismic tremors in the Mediterranean, such as those near Santorini, increase the likelihood of such an event. The steep caldera slopes of Santorini pose a significant landslide risk, which, in turn, could trigger a tsunami. Historical records indicate that similar landslides, often caused by seismic activity near Crete and Rhodes, have led to past tsunami events, with major incidents occurring in 1507, 1508, 1870, 1926, and 1956.
Since January 26, the Santorini-Amorgos seismic zone has recorded over 7,700 earthquakes, with more than 6,100 surpassing magnitude 1. On Tuesday alone, 1,300 tremors were detected, the strongest reaching magnitudes of 4.9 to 5.0. The following day, the tremors shifted northeast, with a significant earthquake registering 5.1 in magnitude.
Israel’s Tsunami Preparedness Measures
Fortunately, Israel is part of a regional tsunami warning system that can issue alerts immediately upon detecting tsunami waves. The country also operates a network of tsunami sensors along its coastline to provide early warnings. However, officials stress that more must be done to protect critical infrastructure and ensure swift evacuations if necessary.
Emergency officials are currently assessing the best evacuation routes and reinforcement strategies to minimize potential damage. The meeting on Wednesday focused on ensuring the preparedness of coastal cities, enhancing response plans, and strengthening public awareness campaigns.
In response to the escalating tremors, Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini, effective until March 1. Authorities are particularly concerned about landslides in tourist-heavy areas such as Red Beach and the Old Port, where limited landslides have already been reported since January 27. The ongoing seismic activity raises the risk of further collapses and rockfalls, prompting calls for increased monitoring and preventative actions.
Meanwhile, Israel is not only preparing for a potential tsunami but also standing ready to assist Greece in the event of a disaster. The government has pledged international aid should an earthquake lead to widespread destruction.
With seismic activity continuing to rattle the Mediterranean, Israel is taking proactive steps to mitigate the potential tsunami threat. While the regional warning system and coastal sensors provide a level of protection, experts stress the need for continued vigilance, infrastructure preparedness, and public awareness to ensure the safety of Israeli coastal communities.
Read more via: The Jerusalem Post/Haaretz