In brief
With over 13,000 residents abandoning Santorini amid continuous tremors, the future remains uncertain as experts warn of potential further seismic activity.
February 2025 has seen unprecedented seismic unrest on the famous Greek island of Santorini, leaving it eerily quiet during its typically slower tourist season. Over the past week, a staggering 13,000 of the island's 15,500 residents have left, unsettled by the relentless pattern of tremors that began on January 25. While a few tourists remain, many are from Asia, adding to the surreal atmosphere.The tremors have been frequent, registering as often as every few minutes, culminating in a significant magnitude-5.2 quake that occurred northeast of Santorini last Wednesday. A magnitude-5 earthquake also struck Athens on the following Sunday night. In total, the first nine days of February have recorded 160 tremors surpassing magnitude 4, a stark increase compared to just 90 for all of the previous year. Experts from the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens acknowledge the challenges in forecasting further seismic activity.“The seismic energy release has been notable, yet we can’t discount the possibility of a larger quake occurring,” stated Vassilis Karastathis, the institute's director. While there are hints of reduced tremor frequency, the situation is still precarious, with authorities responding by closing schools, banning large indoor gatherings, and deploying emergency workers across the island. Areas at risk of landslides have been cordoned off, and sandbags are being placed near vulnerable coastal homes. In response to the growing anxiety among residents, professionals from the Red Cross have stepped in to offer psychological support, alongside local priests who have been conducting prayers for relief from the ongoing quakes. As Santorini grapples with this seismic crisis, the path forward remains uncertain.
