Residents of Santorini, one of Greece's most iconic islands, are grappling with fear and uncertainty as the island has been rattled by more than 200 earthquakes over several days. The tremors have caused residents, frightened by the intensity of the seismic activity, to evacuate the picturesque destination known for its stunning views and blue-domed churches.
According to the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens, the largest quake recorded reached a magnitude of 4.9 on Monday. This series of earthquakes began over the weekend, prompting the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to address the nation, calling for calm and urging the 15,500 permanent residents to heed safety precautions.
"We must manage a very intense geological phenomenon," Mitsotakis stated from Brussels, acknowledging the fears of the island’s inhabitants but assuring them of the safety measures being implemented. He also emphasized, "I ask the people of the island to remain calm," as tourists begin to depart amid concerns about potential aftershocks.
The atmosphere on Santorini is tense, as many residents have opted to leave the island, fearing not just the earthquakes but also the potential for landslides and other geological events. Evacuations have ramped up, with reports indicating thousands of locals have already fled, and ferry services to the mainland have been overwhelmed with demand. Journalists on the ground observed long queues at ferry terminals, with entire families making their way onto ships bound for the mainland.
Locals are taking the government's advice seriously, avoiding indoor gatherings and clearing pools, as authorities recommend evacuation from high-risk areas, especially around the island's ports. Reports also suggest some residents spent the night outdoors or moved to evacuation centers as they await conditions to normalize.
Travellers from countries such as France, Germany, and the UK have been advised to follow guidance from Greece’s civil protection ministry. The local government has been proactive, holding daily meetings with seismic experts to monitor the situation and provide updated safety information to residents and visitors alike.
While tourism typically swells as summer approaches, Santorini was experiencing lower visitor numbers this time of year, with many hotels closed for the off-season. Travel agencies and local business owners have expressed concerns, as the situation could impact the upcoming tourist season, scheduled to peak from April onward. "Luckily, it's happening now when very few tourists are on the island," remarked Jean-Marie Lepesant, director of Orea Voyages. "Our clientele usually visits the Cyclades from April to the end of October."
Despite the chaos, travel companies have initiated extra ferry and flight services to accommodate those wishing to leave Santorini. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express are adding flights, ensuring residents and tourists can depart safely as fears of stronger tremors loom. Prices for seats have surged as demand intensifies—with economy class tickets reportedly rising to as much as 189 euros for short flights to Athens.
Social media has also become a focal point for both travelers and locals alike, with many expressing concerns and seeking reassurances about their travel plans. Gianluca Chimenti, founder of the travel service Travel To Greece, posted reassuring updates for those worried about their scheduled trips, stating, "There is no damage to the roads, buildings, or houses. We aim to maintain a calm and welcoming environment for all." He emphasized the need to dispel misinformation circulating online.
Historically, Santorini has experienced significant tectonic activity; the most recent major earthquake, occurring back in 1956, was measured at 7.5 and resulted in tragic loss of life. The island is known for its stunning landscapes formed by volcanic activity, but the current situation has rekindled fears of geological instability among both residents and tourists.
While most residents are choosing to leave, some remain steadfast. Kostas Sakavaras, who has lived on Santorini for 17 years, expressed his worries, stating, "It was shaking every 3 to 4 hours yesterday. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. We decided to leave for safety." It’s this kind of safety concern that's driving the exodus, contradicting earlier reassurances of calm from local government officials.
Authorities remain hopeful and vigilant, maintaining their stance about the non-volcanic nature of the tremors. The Minister of Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, insists all safety measures taken are precautionary, stating emphatically, "The current seismic activity is due to tectonic plate movements and not linked to any volcanic activity."
Nevertheless, the very fabric of life on yoga-centric Santorini hangs precariously as locals await the all-clear. The recent influx of questions surrounding travel safety has made this seismic event one to watch, especially as the tourist season approaches and the allure of such breathtaking scenery remains undeniable.
The tremors underline the unpredictability of nature and highlight the importance of safety measures as the island gears up for potential tourist returns when summer breaks.
Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, and the island's vitality hinges not only on the allure of its scenic beauty but on the assurance of safety for its inhabitants and visitors alike. For now, the emphasis remains on listening to the experts and prioritizing people's safety amid geological uncertainty.