Particularly cautious about the earthquake 5.3 on the Richter scale that took place on Saturday afternoon (07.06.25) at Mount Athosscientists appear, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance.
Seismic activity in the area of Mount Athos has begun since about the same period last year, with a gradual increase in the intensity of earthquakes, among other things, the Director of the Geodynamic Institute, Vassilis Karastathis.
Speaking on Sunday morning (08.06.25) to ERT, he explained that the recent earthquake was located on the southeast of an about 15 kilometers -long seismically active zone, which may extend more than originally estimated.
At the same time, he underlined the need for increased vigilance, given the proximity of the earthquake zone in historical and particularly vulnerable buildings: “These are old Byzantine constructions, many of which have not been tested by strong earthquakes nearby. When there is such proximity, we must take into account the adverse scenario. “
“There is no analysis that is certainly leading to exactly what will happen in the coming days, however, we must be careful,” he noted.
However, he made it clear that this seismic activity is not related to the well -known warnings of the forthcoming major earthquake in Constantinople, although proximity is geographically raised to the general public.
For his part, the political commander of Mount Athos, Alcibiades Wreathhe told ERT that the situation remains under control and that there is no reason to worry about monks, workers or pilgrims.
“Life on Mount Athos continues normally. The sequences were carried out without interruption, the operation of the monasteries continues. But all the necessary prevention and control measures have been taken, “he said.
Damage to St. Panteleimon and Xenophon Monasteries
It is noted that special scales of the Fire Department, EMAK and PPC have gone to Mount Athos for inspections and recording of possible damage.
The Northern Greece Inspector General of the Fire Brigade, Mr. Kosmidis, will carry out an autopsy, and at the behest of the Prime Minister, the responsible Minister, Mr. Kefalogiannis, will also go to Mount Athos, accompanied by a scientific team of the Ministry.
Reports indicate that the Monastery of St. Panteleimon and the Xenophontos Monastery have been sufficient so far.