Santorini on high alert amid surge in seismic activity
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to remain calm after a surge in seismic activity around the island of Santorini. Over 280 earthquakes have been recorded in the past 48 hours, prompting precautionary measures, including school closures and restrictions on large gatherings.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the situation while attending EU meetings in Brussels, assuring that experts are closely monitoring what he described as “a very intense geological phenomenon.” He has requested a comprehensive analysis of the seismic data to provide clarity on the potential risks.
In recent days, earthquakes with magnitudes up to 4.9 have been recorded northeast of Santorini. Some tremors have originated from depths as shallow as 2 km (1.2 miles) beneath the surface, raising concerns about potential structural damage.
As a precaution, many Santorini residents spent Sunday night outdoors, fearing stronger quakes. Some individuals have chosen to leave the island, including long-time residents like Kostas Sakavaras, who relocated with his family to mainland Greece. He described the tremors as mild but acknowledged the unsettling sound that accompanies them.
Emergency services have issued warnings to avoid specific areas, including Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira, due to the risk of landslides. Meanwhile, authorities have extended school closures to neighboring islands, including Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos, with classes suspended until February 7.
Santorini lies on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanic islands formed due to tectonic activity. However, Greek seismologists have clarified that the recent tremors are linked to tectonic plate movement rather than volcanic activity. Specifically, the Aegean Sea plate is subducting beneath the African plate, creating stress along the fault line, which is then released as earthquakes.
While the activity in Santorini’s caldera, the volcanic basin around which the island is formed remains low, seismologists caution that a volcanic event cannot be entirely ruled out. Kostas Papazachos, a geophysics professor at Thessaloniki Aristotle University, emphasized that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, the precautionary measures in place are designed to minimize risks should a larger quake occur.
The uncertainty surrounding the seismic activity has led to disruptions in travel and tourism. Several airlines have introduced additional flights to accommodate travelers leaving the island, while ferry operators have increased services. Hoteliers are already seeing booking cancellations, as visitors reconsider travel plans.
Large cruise ships, which typically anchor near Fira’s Old Port, have been advised to avoid docking in the region. Authorities are also monitoring Santorini’s ports for potential disruptions caused by tremors.
The South Aegean Regional Fire Department has been placed on full alert, with rescue teams and commanders dispatched to Santorini. Officials are prepared to intervene if the seismic activity escalates, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
While earthquakes are common in the region, Greek authorities continue to assess the evolving situation. Experts stress that the tremors recorded so far are within a manageable range, though ongoing monitoring remains crucial.