Thousands of residents from the popular Greek island of Santorini are evacuating as a surge of seismic activity has triggered concerns since the weekend. Over 9,000 individuals have left the island amidst reports of more than 300 earthquakes in the past two days. Emergency flights are being arranged to accommodate this sudden increase in departures.
On Tuesday, a notable earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale struck near the Aegean Sea, prompting further alerts. In response, schools have been closed and gatherings discouraged as authorities work to ensure the safety of residents. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm, reassuring the public as the island braced for potentially lengthy seismic disturbances.
Despite the rush to evacuate, the majority of people leaving Santorini are locals, as the winter month of February sees a significant dip in tourist traffic. Many fled to the mainland via ferry and plane, with a resident stating, “Everything is closed. No-one works now. The whole island has emptied.” The government has ramped up emergency measures, dispatching rescue teams and establishing medical tents to prepare for any crisis.
Mayor Nikos Zorzos has emphasized the island's readiness for extended seismic activity and noted the need for patience. As the tremors continue, government and emergency officials are closely monitoring the situation. While residents have suffered no significant property damage so far, there is a palpable apprehension regarding the prospect of stronger quakes.
Accompanied by geological data, seismologists are actively studying the ongoing tremors, which stem from tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity. Santorini, located on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, last experienced a significant eruption in the 1950s. Scientists are attempting to improve predictive models, although exact earthquake timing or magnitude remains uncertain.
As the situation unfolds, officials remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness to minimize risks to the population. Emergency services have advised residents to vacate certain hazardous areas as safety protocols are strictly enforced in the face of persistent geological challenges.
