Türkiye installs tsunami warning system in Bodrum amid ongoing Aegean earthquakes

A siren system has been deployed in the Bodrum region of Türkiye to warn of possible tsunamis amid ongoing earthquakes in the Aegean Sea, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

The AFAD teams from different provinces have arrived in the region. A system to alert citizens has also been installed in the coastal districts of Seferihisar, Didim and Datca, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Earthquakes have been continuing in the Aegean Sea since late January. The tremors were felt, in particular, by residents of the Greek island of Santorini (Thira).

AFAD said the nearest earthquake to the coast of Türkiye occurred 140 km away. The tremors were recorded in the area of the underwater volcano Columbo. 

It also added that the consequences of seismic activity in the Aegean Sea could reach Türkiye and cause a tsunami, especially if Columbo erupts. 

Recent seismic activity in the Aegean Sea has raised concerns, particularly around the Greek island of Santorini. Since January 28, 2025, over 400 earthquakes have been recorded in the region, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.8. These quakes are concentrated approximately 25 km northeast of Santorini, occurring at depths ranging from 5 to 25 km. AFAD has classified this as an earthquake swarm, noting that similar seismic activity occurred between 2011 and 2012 without leading to volcanic eruptions.

On February 4, 2025, a series of earthquakes, including two magnitude 5.1 quakes, struck the Greek islands, particularly affecting Santorini. Over 200 tremors were recorded since the weekend, leading to the evacuation of over 6,000 people from Santorini. Authorities have closed schools and advised against large indoor gatherings. Experts have confirmed that the activity is tectonic rather than volcanic.

By Khagan Isayev