Santorini’s earthquake swarm is declining gradually as thousands return to the Greek island

Scientists from the University of Athens monitoring an earthquake swarm near the island of Santorini say the phenomenon is in “gradual decline” nearly a month after the multiple tremors started. The undersea shocks — sometimes recorded only minutes apart — led thousands of residents and workers to flee the famed cliff-top towns of Santorini as well as the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi. Schools remain closed on those islands for a fourth week and many other restrictions are still in effect. But scientists said they are encouraged by the recent progression of the earthquake swarm, while local authorities say thousands of those fled have returned in recent days. Scientists from the University of Athens monitoring an earthquake swarm near the island of Santorini say the phenomenon is in “gradual decline” nearly a month after the multiple tremors started. The undersea shocks — sometimes recorded only minutes apart — led thousands of residents and workers to flee the famed cliff-top towns of Santorini as well as the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi. Schools remain closed on those islands for a fourth week and many other restrictions are still in effect. But scientists said they are encouraged by the recent progression of the earthquake swarm, while local authorities say thousands of those fled have returned in recent days.  AP Technology and Science