Intense warning about necessity Enhancement of anti -seismic shielding The construction in the country is addressed by AUTH Seismology Professor Costas Papazachos. As he points out in a statement to RES-EIA, “Earthquakes do not kill, human constructions kill”stressing that no part of Greece is free from seismicity.

Mr Papazachos reports that areas with little apparent activity often hide greater risks, as their inhabitants tend to rest. “Security is not about whether there will be an earthquake, but how the building is constructed,” he explains, reiterating that the ultimate responsibility is largely borne by people themselves and their choices in construction.

Important improvements in construction, but with margins of growth

Regarding the shielding of the Greek space, the professor finds significant progress compared to the past. “The level of construction in our country is constantly improving. Older buildings are replaced by younger and clearly more durable, while technical specifications and earthquakes regulations They become stricter, ”he commented. However, he recognizes that there are still problematic constructions and that arbitrary construction is still a problem.

As he points out, a striking 6.3 Richter earthquake in Vrissa village, Lesvos in 2017, is a striking example: “Traditional buildings collapsed, while modern buildings in the area were left untouched. This confirms that the newer constructions are clearly safer. “

The importance of preparedness exercises

Continuing, reports that exercise programs earthquake In schools and public spaces, they are systematically and effectively applied, however, stressing the need to expand them to private businesses and areas with lower preparation levels. Mr Papazachos explains that “regular exercises familiarize citizens in the right reaction. This is particularly critical, as in the event of an earthquake the reaction time is minimal. “

Proposals to enhance prevention and monitoring

In relation to the sentences of the seismologist To the state, he expresses a restrained optimism: “Positive steps are being made, with the improvement of networks and anti -seismic regulations, albeit slowly. It is important to boost investment in human and economic resources in order to make the most of the relevant initiatives. “

Calm in Euboea and Santorini

Regarding the recent 5.2 Richter earthquake in South Evia, Professor Papazachos points out that ‘There is no reason for concern’. As he explains, the area is characterized by low seismic activity and the fact that it was felt is mainly related to its proximity to large urban centers.

For the Santorinithe professor notes that the seismic activity has returned to normal after the intense crisis of previous years. “The sequence of earthquakes will continue for years, but the most worrying phenomena have now been exhausted,” he concludes.

Annie Tapacus