Intense seismic activity over the past 48 hours around Santorini, the Greek island famous for its sunsets, has prompted many residents, workers, and tourists to flee the island. Landslides struck Santorini itself due to seismic activity on Monday. The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection alerted residents via the emergency number 112, banning access to the areas of Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira. Earlier, a message was sent about prolonged seismic activity in the wider area encompassing the islands of Ios, Amorgos, Santorini, and Anafi – all popular summer destinations.
Tania, a geologist who has been working on Santorini for more than five years, shared her observations about the locals’ reactions. “Many people I know have left the island, and others have lined up at ticket offices for ferry tickets. The only thing I worry about is the stability of the house I live in,” she noted. Tania added, “There is a strong misunderstanding among people about what the experts are saying.”
Acting on a request from the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Greek airline Aegean has added three emergency flights to and from Santorini to help people leave. Two flights were scheduled for Monday, with another added for the following day. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the nation from Brussels, urging calm among islanders. “We have to manage a very intense geological phenomenon. I want to ask the islanders to be calm and listen to the instructions of the Civil Protection,” he told reporters.
A strong earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale occurred on Monday, 19 kilometers north-northwest of Anafi, following immediate quakes of 3.6, 3.1, and 3.6 on the Richter scale. Earlier on the same day, two other earthquakes were recorded off Amorgos, at magnitudes of 4.7 and 4.2. More than 200 earthquakes had been documented over the previous 48 hours between Santorini and Amorgos.
Schools on Santorini, Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos remained closed, and authorities advised residents to avoid gatherings, abandoned buildings, and off-limit ports. Reportedly, over 300 tremors jolted Santorini and nearby islands since Friday, some reaching magnitudes up to 5.
According to scientists from the National Observatory of Athens, this surge of seismic activity has not been recorded since 2012, where similar conditions persisted for several months without significant issue. Santorini is situated within the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, known for its active volcanic history. A major eruption 3,600 years ago caused devastating tsunamis affecting neighboring regions, but modern-day Santorini has not seen major volcanic eruptions.
Local science experts confirmed the current quakes are due to tectonic activity rather than volcanic activity. Efthymios Lekkas, the president of Greece's Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, affirmed this perspective, stating, “There is no link between the current seismic activity and the activity observed in the volcanic area in recent months.” He expects the seismic events to continue for several weeks, yet does not anticipate tremors exceeding 6 on the Richter scale.
This situation has caused significant distress among those living on the island and its visitors. Michalis Gerontakis, the Director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, shared, “I have never felt anything like this and with such frequency—an earthquake every 10 or 20 minutes. Everyone is anxious even if some of us hide it not to cause panic, but everyone is worried.”
Meanwhile, governmental measures have included evacuations of tourists, with many residents attempting to flee the island by ferry or airplane. Local authorities arranged for additional transport options to assist those wishing to leave the area.
Despite the communal unease, some locals remain optimistic. George Halaris, a tourist shop owner, observed, “At this time of year, we do not have many foreigners visiting. It is understandable for those who do not experience tremors often to be alarmed; locals are calm. We are on alert, but we do not panic.”
The historical significance of Santorini adds weight to current events. The island, with its unique geological formations, is famed for its caldera, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Akis Tselentis, from the University of Athens, noted on social media, “Volcanoes are active, even if some want them to be dormant. I hope I am wrong.” His comments reflect the overall sentiment of caution among scientists and officials alike.
Costas Synolakis, another noted scientist, outlined possibilities for the current seismic events, including the potential activation of the well-known Kolumbo underwater volcano, which poses its own set of risks. He observed, “There are three different possibilities or scenarios…” highlighting concerns not only for potential quakes but also for broader geological dynamics influenced by volcanic activity.
With uncertainty about the future, authorities remain vigilant as citizens follow the advice of scientists and government officials. The community bands together amid challenges, hopeful for stability to return soon, as experts indicate it may take weeks for the tremors and resultant anxiety to subside.