More than 11,000 people have evacuated Santorini as a series of earthquakes have rattled the Greek island. Approximately 7,000 individuals departed by ferry, while an additional 4,000 left by air. The decision to evacuate follows a week of seismic activity, including a magnitude five quake recorded on Tuesday, sparking concern among residents and tourists alike.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities have closed schools on Santorini and neighboring islands—Mykonos, Leros, Syros, and Patmos—until at least Friday. Access to key areas such as Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfos Thirassia, and the Old Port of Fira has also been suspended. The Greek government has assured that the tremors are a result of tectonic plate movements, unrelated to volcanic activity.
Santorini, part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, has a storied history of volcanic eruptions. The last significant eruption occurred in the 1950s. Despite reassurances, experts like the head of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation warn that a magnitude six or greater quake cannot be ruled out.
To bolster emergency response efforts, an additional 51 firefighters, nine vehicles, a fire department helicopter, and aerial rescuers have been dispatched to the island. Aegean Airlines added nine emergency flights to accommodate the increased demand for departures following a government request.
"In our country, we have not seen anything similar with so many earthquakes of this magnitude. On the contrary, we see an increase in frequency and magnitude."
- Vasilis Karastathis, Director of the Geodynamic Institute of Athens
The island has experienced hundreds of earthquakes over the past four days. Vasilis Karastathis has expressed concern over this unprecedented activity.
"Things are developing in a way that concerns us… we cannot reassure people."
- Vasilis Karastathis, Director of the Geodynamic Institute of Athens
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged calm among citizens. He will chair a meeting on Wednesday to address the unfolding events and coordinate further actions.
Local businesses and residents are understandably on edge. Kostas Sakavaras, a tour guide on Santorini, shared his perspective on the ground.
"That's the most scary part of it,"
- Kostas Sakavaras, a tour guide
Despite the frequent tremors, Sakavaras noted that there has been no significant structural damage observed.
"Nothing has been falling, or anything like that,"
- Kostas Sakavaras, a tour guide
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