Israel prepares for tsunami amid Santorini earthquakes
What's the story
The National Security Council (NSC) in Israel has directed government ministries and emergency bodies to prepare for a possible tsunami. The directive was issued after a series of some 2,000 earthquakes struck the Greek island of Santorini. The Greek government declared a state of emergency on the island on Thursday following a strong 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday.
Evacuation and alert
Santorini residents evacuated, Israel on alert
More than 11,000 people have left, according to authorities, who report that tremors are occurring at minute intervals. Experts warn it is uncertain when the "seismic crisis" on Santorini will end. Israel, with its nearly 200-kilometer Mediterranean coastline already fitted with tsunami warning signs, is on high alert. Experts say if a major earthquake on Santorini were to generate a tsunami, Israel would have up to two hours to respond, as it is about 900km away from the quake zone.
Tsunami history
Historical records of tsunamis in the Mediterranean
"Emergency bodies and government ministries are required to prepare for the possibility that the State of Israel may encounter a tsunami wave heading toward it," a summary of an emergency discussion held on Wednesday night said. The Home Front's website states a quarter of all known tsunamis have occurred in the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, lethal tsunamis struck Israel's beaches in 1222, 1303, 1870, and 1908, while a smaller one struck Jaffa in 1953.
Sensors
Israel has tsunami sensors established along the shore
Fortunately, Israel subscribes to the North-Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Connected Seas (NEAM) system, which provides regular and crucial data on seismic and sea level activity in the region. The country also has tsunami sensors established along the shore. Cities such as Haifa have created evacuation strategies that include conspicuous signage directing citizens to safe locations. Israel is located in the Mediterranean Sea, where two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and African, can collide and trigger a massive earthquake and tsunami.