Global interest in the Kolumbo volcano of Santorini! The elite of the international scientific community gathered for the high-level meeting of the International Expert Committee for the Volcanic Risk Assessment of the Submarine Kolumbo Volcano (Santorini), organized by the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mineral Research (H.S.G.M.E.) in collaboration with the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano (ISMOSAV), as part of the implementation of EAGME’s “Volcanic Risk Assessment Program for the Submarine Kolumbo Volcano” in Santorini.
During the three-day meeting (May 9–11, 2023), 18 leading scientists from Greece and abroad were invited to respond to a detailed research questionnaire aimed at assessing and rating, through a graded evaluation process, the likelihood of potential hazardous volcanic phenomena from Kolumbo (such as volcanic ash and gases, volcanic earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.) and the areas at risk, based on the available data and their extensive international scientific experience. The experts also had the opportunity to exchange views on all scientific parameters related to the volcano.
Among the participants was the world-renowned volcanologist Professor Dr. Stephen Sparks, whose distinguished career has significantly contributed to developing global methodologies for volcanic hazard and risk assessment. Dr. Sparks is considered a leading authority in his field, and governments worldwide seek his expertise on such issues.
The results and final reports of the committee will be made available to the Local and Regional Authorities and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (G.G.P.P.) to support the update of the Volcanic Risk Management Plans for Santorini and the wider area (Project “TALOS”).
Following the conclusion of the meeting, an informational session for the residents and institutions of Santorini was held at the Loukás and Evangelos Bellonias Foundation in Fira. Members of the committee also visited the Akrotiri archaeological site, guided by Professor Emeritus of Archaeology and excavation director Dr. Christos Doumas, and later participated in a boat tour observing the cliffs of the caldera.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Antonis Sigalas; Thira’s Civil Protection Officer, Mr. Markos Kafouros; EAGME’s Director General, Mr. Dionysios Goutis; Head of the Department of Natural Disasters at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Dr. Andreas Antonakos—who was also a member of the scientific team—as well as the event coordinator, volcanologist Dr. George Vougioukalakis (EAGME–ISMOSAV).
The success of the event was greatly supported by the Municipal Authority of Thira and local organizations.