Do You Know about Earthquake Swarms?

An astonishing and bizarre natural event offers lessons in emergency preparedness

Lately, I’ve been fascinated and slightly fixated on a rare natural event you probably haven’t heard about.

The Greek Islands and the Island of Santorini, roughly 150 miles south of Athens, has seen over 20,000 earthquakes and tremors since January 26. That seems unbelievable. It strikes me as astonishing and bizarre. Just the thought of planning and preparing for 20,000 earthquakes seems ridiculous.

Santorini, a popular tourist destination and a picturesque volcanic island, and the general region typically experience some seismic activity, but not nearly at this frequency. So what gives?

The tremors, which scientists are calling an “earthquake swarm” have forced the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents. Individuals that have chosen to stay have felt it’s safer to sleep in their cars at night.

Originally, scientists were “baffled,” at the source for such activity, but recent reports and theories bouncing around point to either tectonic activity, or volcanic activity, or a “mixture of both.” The largest recorded quakes have registered in the “lower-magnitude 5 range.” And thankfully, as of now, outside of some cracks forming in structures, some rock and mud slides, there’s been no major damage or issues or injuries.

Whatever the cause is for this magnitude of tremors, again, the event is astonishing and bizarre. Many of these quakes are occurring within minutes of each other. While scientists don’t believe an eruption is likely, the thought must still linger in minds. How can it not?

This event has brought so much anxiety that behavioral health specialists and psychologists were dispatched. Imagine trying to go about your day in perpetual fear of the next quake. There’s a time of calm and nothing, then a moment of shaking and tension and anxiety, back to calm, then tension and anxiety. Living in an earthquake swarm seems impossible.

People do find a way, though. Life goes on. In fact, just recently, a baby was born at Santorini’s hospital. This news has brought “joy and hope” and “lifted the spirits of those on the quake-stricken island.”

On your own

The earthquake swarm offers an important lesson: prepare to make a go of it on your own.

When it comes to preparing and managing an event—whether they’re large or small, quick or endless, common or bizarre—make plans that account for the staff you have within the facility.

Don’t plan or think you’re getting assistance from your local fire department. They might be busy navigating the same event. Don’t expect mutual aid agreements to work. Contractors won’t show up. The Red Cross, Medical Reserve Corps, EMS, any agency with an acronym, your best friend—nope, they’re not coming to help, either.

External support is wonderful, and it’s well intended, but it’s not necessarily always available.

Addressing threats

This approach has one key benefit: you’ll be more resilient.

A few short years ago, many health care facilities felt like an isolated island when personal protective equipment was impossible to find, infection prevention felt like a losing battle, staff was thin and fatigued, and there was no end in sight.

The event went on and on and on. It was new and bizarre to everyone. While it wasn’t easy, and at times it was extraordinary stressful, health care managed. Providers adapted. Resilience prevailed. Better donning and doffing practices were implemented. Infection prevention techniques were enhanced. And life went on.

If you plan and prepare knowing it’s just you, your staff, and a roll of duct tape, you’ll be stronger and better prepared to navigate whatever is thrown at you. If you do receive external support, it is a welcomed bonus.

Managing the swarm

Santorini Hospital, which is designed to “withstand high-magnitude earthquakes,” and its staff, recently conducted an evacuation drill for structural damage. They’ve erected medical tents outside their facility which would be for the relocation of patients, staff, and support the continuity of care. If they need to abandon their building, they’ve got a plan and a place. They’ve better prepared themselves, and they’re ready to adapt as the event dictates—by themselves or with some outside help.

While seismologists don’t know when the earthquakes will stop, there does seem to be some positive news. The “earthquake swarm” is in a “gradual decline” and could be over by mid-March.  

In the meantime, preparedness efforts continue, and extra doctors and paramedics have been sent to the hospital for support.

Search and rescue teams along with dogs are ready to be deployed, and six disaster medicine teams are on standby—another benefit. And, should the island need to be totally evacuated, landing craft are on standby.

It’s too early for the after-action report, but I can’t wait to read all the lessons from the swarm.

For more information, contact Matt Linse, HAP manager, emergency management.

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