Authorities have implemented precautionary measures on several nearby islands in the Aegean Sea, which are also popular summer tourist spots. This decision comes after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were detected in the region within the last three days.
“These precautions are preventive, and our authorities will remain alert,” stated Vasilis Kikilias, the Civil Protection Minister, after an emergency governmental meeting in Athens on Sunday evening. “We encourage all citizens to follow safety advice to reduce hazards.”
While researchers in Greece assert that the tremors, which have reached up to a magnitude of 4.8, aren’t directly associated with Santorini’s volcanic activities, they do recognize that the current seismic behavior is concerning.
The ongoing frequency of these tremors has unsettled many locals. Michalis Gerontakis, a resident and director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, remarked, “I have never experienced anything like this – quakes occurring every 10 to 20 minutes. Everyone is anxious, although many of us conceal our anxiety to avoid inciting panic.”
Despite the seismic disturbances, the Philharmonic performed for a religious event the previous day. Gerontakis mentioned, “While playing, you don’t feel the tremors, though we noticed there were quakes during the service. The future is uncertain, and while people can speculate, it doesn’t hold any real importance; nature cannot be controlled.”
Over the weekend and into Monday, government officials continued discussions with scientists to evaluate the situation. Schools in the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios also faced closures.
Residents and visitors on Santorini were advised against large indoor gatherings and to take great caution in areas susceptible to rock slides. Additionally, hotels were instructed to empty swimming pools to minimize potential structural damage from an earthquake.
Fire service rescue teams, including a 26-member unit and a rescue dog, set up yellow tents for base operations on the island, establishing their station in a basketball court near the main hospital.
“We arrived last night,” said fire brigadier Ioannis Billias, mentioning that tremors continued into Monday morning—with several surpassing the magnitude of 4.0—leading many residents and families to spend the night in their vehicles for safety.
Crescent-shaped Santorini is a premier tourist destination, attracting over three million visitors annually through flights, ferries, and cruises, luring travelers to its iconic whitewashed villages perched atop steep cliffs shaped by a monumental volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago.
According to esteemed Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos, the ongoing pattern of earthquakes, which is represented by a rising cluster of marks on live seismic maps between Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, may suggest the possibility of a more significant seismic event on the horizon.
“All scenarios are possible,” wrote Papadopoulos in a recent online update. “The frequency of the tremors has escalated, magnitudes have increased, and epicenters are migrating northeast. While these quakes are tectonic rather than volcanic, the risk has noticeably increased.”
In Fira, Santorini’s main town, local officials designated gathering points in preparation for potential evacuations. Mayor Nikos Zorzos reassured residents regarding the precautionary measures implemented, stating, “We must be prepared. However, readiness does not indicate that an event will definitely occur.” He also cautioned against exaggerated news reports and urged the community to remain calm.
