Dealing with the heightened anxiety and stress of her students on the Greek island of Amorgos, Dionysia Kobaiou has been facing a daunting challenge for the past three weeks. The island has been experiencing a series of earthquakes, prompting Greek authorities to close down all schools on Amorgos, as well as its neighboring island of Santorini and other nearby islands, until at least February 21. Kobaiou has been providing remote teaching support to her students during this time.
Some of her students have expressed concerns about how to react during tremors, with one even asking whether they should hide under a bed. Drawing parallels to the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kobaiou highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability of the current situation, where the threat of earthquakes looms at any moment.
Seismic Activity
Between January 26 and February 14, over 19,200 earthquakes were recorded in the Cyclades archipelago, including Amorgos, according to the University of Athens seismology laboratory. Although the seismic swarm has not resulted in casualties or significant damage, the ongoing tremors have left scientists puzzled.
The residents of Amorgos, a rocky island with a population of 1,900, have remained on the island despite the ongoing seismic activity. As the tremors have gradually decreased in intensity and frequency, there is a sense of relief among the locals.
Impact on Residents
The continuous earthquakes have taken a toll on the residents, with many expressing exhaustion and fatigue from the prolonged period of uncertainty and fear. Despite the efforts to dispatch rescue reinforcements and monitor the situation closely, the psychological impact on the community remains significant.
As the island grapples with the aftermath of the seismic swarm, concerns about the upcoming tourist season linger, with residents hoping to overcome the challenges and welcome visitors back to Amorgos.
© Agence France-Presse
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