Locals and tourists are fleeing the idyllic Greek island of Santorini fearing a major earthquake following days of tremors that have rattled the island.
Early Tuesday morning, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck at 4:46 a.m. between Santorini and Amorgos, with its epicenter located 20 kilometers south-southwest of Arcesine, Amorgos, at a depth of 14.3 kilometers, according to the Geodynamic Institute. This was followed by a series of strong aftershocks, measuring 4.2, 3.9, and 4.0 on the Richter scale.
From Saturday afternoon to Monday evening, 37 earthquakes exceeding magnitude 4 were recorded, along with numerous smaller tremors.
In response to the ongoing seismic activity, authorities on Santorini have implemented an evacuation plan, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
Workers and travelers have been moved to safe zones away from the caldera, which is known for its volcanic activity. Photos from the scene show orderly evacuations, with individuals following instructions from emergency personnel.
However many travelers complained that they could not find tickets for ferries. They also complain that the remaining tickets are too expensive costing up to 500 euros for the journey to Piraeus. They also ask for additional ferries to evacuate those who wish to leave Santorini.
Landslides follow earthquakes in Santorini
A series of landslides on Santorini alarmed many locals. Videos uploaded on Monday on social media show rocks and debris falling into the old harbor.
Seismologists have installed two new monitoring stations – one on the islet of Anydros, where many quakes have originated, and another on the island of Anafi – to track the seismic activity closely.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, but at this stage, there is no reason to panic,” said Efthymios Lekkas, Greece’s leading seismologist.
He added, “While these earthquakes are concerning, they do not yet indicate any imminent volcanic eruption or catastrophic event.”
Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, stating, “While we are not witnessing anything out of the ordinary, vigilance is essential.”
“We are monitoring the situation closely, but at this stage, there is no reason to panic,” said Efthymios Lekkas, Greece’s leading seismologist.
He added, “While these earthquakes are concerning, they do not yet indicate any imminent volcanic eruption or catastrophic event.”
Schools will remain shut through Friday on the islands of Santorini (Thera), Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos due to continuous seismic activity.
On Monday Santorini’s mayor told Greek Reporter that the island “is a safe destination.”
“This is a phenomenon that will end. It cannot last forever. [These earthquakes] will last a few days, some weeks and they will stop…Santorini will become the way it was,” Nikos Zorzos, the mayor of Santorini said.
Zorzo’s opinion echoes most scientists’ view that the recent seismic activity could last for a while, from days to even months, while they have ruled out a massive earthquake with a magnitude of over 6 on the Richter scale.
Santorini’s mayor said that local authorities are fully prepared, in cooperation with the relevant ministry, to handle any emergency that may arise due to the prolonged seismic activity.
He noted that while locals are not new to minor earthquakes in the area, it is understandable that this time, due to the duration of the seismic activity, they are concerned. Pictures of some panic-stricken visitors and local residents looking for a way out of the island by either a plane or a ship are broadcast across Greek media, and Zorzos says that “panic is a bad advisor.”
“We are in February,” he says. “During this time, economic activity on the island is very limited. That means that there are several people who stay here without working. So in order not to feel what anyone would feel during a natural phenomenon, the ‘fury of nature,’ that’s why I believe some leave,” he added.