Authorities have declared a state of emergency on the Greek island of Santorini following days of continuous tremors, nearly emptying the famed tourist destination. A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the island on Wednesday evening, marking the strongest quake since the onset of seismic activity last week. The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has placed the island under emergency status until March 3, amid estimates of about 11,000 people having evacuated the area.
Residents have been advised to steer clear of large gatherings indoors and maintain distance from various ports after the tremors. While transportation services resumed on Thursday, the aftermath of the seismic activity has left the panoramic island shaken.
Located near the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, Santorini is no stranger to seismic events, though prolonged and intense tremors are atypical. Alongside Santorini, the neighboring islands of Amorgos and Ios have also felt the impact.
On Friday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the island’s firefighting operations center and hospital to assess the infrastructure's preparedness for potential stronger earthquakes. "The state mechanism is with them," Mitsotakis assured locals, urging calm amid growing concerns.
Since late January, hundreds of weaker tremors prompted swift evacuations of residents and tourists via ferries and airplane, as geologists monitored over 20,000 quakes—ten times more than conventional detection methods would capture.
Relying on advanced technology like artificial intelligence, scientists analyzed this seismic wave's origins and deduced it started five days earlier than previously believed. "Analyzing data in real time can give us five more days to prepare the population and rescue teams," says sismologist Margarita Segou, highlighting the importance of timely data interpretation.
Despite not being the high tourist season, the island, known for its breathtaking views and rich history, typically attracts over 3.4 million visitors annually. Approximately 20,000 residents make Santorini their home, with about 11,000 fleeing due to the imminent threat of tremors.
For some locals, the nervousness is palpable. Beni Ouklala, 38, who works temporarily on the island, says, "We will be leaving because I am afraid, there are constant earthquakes; we have to leave for the children to calm down." Meanwhile, others like Eftichis Diamantopoulos, 63, captain of a tourist boat, take it all with less concern, stating, "If something happens, it happens."
The earthquakes have not directly struck under Santorini but originate roughly 25 kilometers northeast of the island, affecting the area considerably. Such frequent quakes add to the residents' anxieties, prompting significant governmental precautions.
Rémy Bossu, Secretary-General of the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center, described the seismic behavior as “very unusual,” asserting, "We see the magnitude increasing over time, which is not typical. Normally we observe a significant earthquake followed by diminishing aftershocks." He warned of the potential for more seismic activity, stating, "Days or maybe weeks will be needed to assess these unusual tremors, but indicators often suggest preparation for larger impacts."
Last recorded notable seismic activity occurred back in 1956 when twin earthquakes hit the area, causing massive damage, significant casualties, and even triggering tsunamis. No severe damages have been officially reported as authorities stand vigilant against the possibility of future tremors.
Official declarations and updates reinforce the focus on protective measures for residents and tourists alike. The emergency measures aim to meet immediate needs, ensuring safety amid this relentless geological threat. Meanwhile, the community’s resilience will surely be put to the test as they navigate the aftershocks of disruption on their cherished isle.