Emergency Crews Deployed in Santorini as Seismic Activity Raises Concerns

Greek Authorities Take Precautions Amidst Earthquake Swarm

Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams to Santorini after a surge in seismic activity prompted hundreds of residents and tourists to flee the island. The sudden increase in earthquakes has raised alarms about a possible major tremor, leading to school closures on four islands until Friday.

Precautionary measures have also been extended to neighboring Aegean Sea islands, all of which are popular tourist destinations. Over the past three days, more than 200 undersea tremors have been recorded in the region, amplifying concerns among local experts and government officials.

Prime Minister Calls for Calm Amidst Growing Concerns

Speaking from Brussels, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the situation’s severity, urging residents to remain calm and follow guidance from the Civil Protection Authority. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure public well-being.

Residents and visitors received mobile alerts warning of potential rockslides, with access restricted to several high-risk coastal areas, including Santorini’s old port. The government has also placed a temporary ban on certain locations near cliffs as a safety measure.

Authorities Remain on High Alert

Following an emergency meeting in Athens, Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias reassured the public that these precautions were taken to mitigate potential hazards. He urged residents to comply with safety recommendations to minimize risks while authorities closely monitor the evolving situation.

Santorini’s Earthquakes Not Linked to Volcanic Activity

Although the recent earthquakes have reached magnitudes of up to 4.9, Greek seismologists have ruled out a direct connection to Santorini’s volcano. However, they acknowledge that the unusual pattern of tremors warrants close monitoring.

Over the weekend and into Monday, government officials met with scientists to assess the threat level. As a precautionary measure, schools on the islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios have also been ordered to remain closed for the entire week.

Residents and Tourists Express Growing Concerns

The continuous tremors, some occurring every 10 to 20 minutes, have left both locals and visitors on edge.

“I have never experienced earthquakes with such frequency,” said Michalis Gerontakis, director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra. “Even during our recent performance, there were noticeable tremors. No one can predict what will happen next.”

Safety Measures Implemented Across Santorini

Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid large indoor gatherings and steer clear of rockslide-prone areas. Hotels have also been instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce structural strain in case of a significant quake.

Meanwhile, fire service teams arrived on the island Sunday, setting up temporary shelters in a basketball court near the main hospital. Ioannis Billias, a fire brigadier, confirmed that 26 rescue personnel and a rescue dog were deployed, with many residents spending the night in their vehicles for safety.

Fleeing the Island: Mass Exodus from Santorini

Fear has prompted many to seek immediate departure from Santorini. Travel agencies have reported an influx of individuals booking flights and ferry tickets to escape the tremors.

“We’ve had earthquakes before, but this time it feels different,” said Nadia Benomar, a Moroccan tour guide who has lived on the island for 19 years. She opted to leave for Naxos on Monday, stating, “I need to get away for a few days until things settle.”

By Monday afternoon, long lines of cars and passengers formed at the island’s main port as hundreds attempted to board departing ferries. Others, however, have decided to stay put despite the uncertainty. Yiannis Fragiadakis, a restaurant worker, recently returned to Santorini despite the seismic activity, remaining optimistic about the upcoming holiday season.

Tourists Weigh Their Options Amid Uncertainty

Despite concerns, some tourists are continuing their travel plans. Soo Jin Kim, a South Korean visitor from Seoul, described experiencing multiple tremors during dinner at her hotel.

“At midnight, we felt a stronger quake, and I checked the news. We’re monitoring the situation but have no immediate plans to leave,” she said.

Santorini’s Volcanic History: A Reminder of Past Catastrophes

Santorini, a globally renowned tourist hotspot, attracts over 3 million visitors annually. The island’s dramatic cliffs were shaped by a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 3,500 years ago, one of the most powerful eruptions in recorded history.

The cataclysmic event, dating back to 1620 B.C., obliterated a significant portion of the island and led to thick ash deposits across the region. Many historians believe it contributed to the collapse of the ancient Minoan civilization. Although Santorini’s volcano remains active, its last significant eruption occurred in 1950.

Seismologists Warn of Possible Larger Quakes

Leading Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos cautioned that the recent earthquake sequence—visible on live seismic maps as a dense cluster of tremors—could be indicative of an impending larger seismic event.

“All scenarios are still open,” Papadopoulos stated in an online post. “The number of tremors is rising, magnitudes are increasing, and epicenters are shifting northeast. While these earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic, the risk level has certainly escalated.”

Emergency Evacuation Plans in Place

In Fira, Santorini’s main town, authorities have designated gathering points for residents in case an evacuation becomes necessary. However, Mayor Nikos Zorzos stressed that these measures are purely precautionary.

“We must always be prepared, but preparation does not necessarily mean an event will occur,” he said during a weekend briefing. “Some reports may exaggerate the situation, so we urge people to remain calm.”