Schools were closed and emergency services were mobilized on the volcanic island of Santorini, Greece, on Monday due to a significant increase in seismic activity, raising fears of a potential earthquake. Over the past three days, the region has experienced more than 200 undersea earthquakes, with many registering magnitudes above 4.5, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking from a European meeting in Brussels, urged residents of Santorini to remain calm and heed the advice of the Civil Protection authority. Mobile alerts warned islanders of possible rockslides, and access to certain coastal areas, particularly those near cliffs, was restricted. Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias emphasized that these measures were precautionary and urged the public to follow safety recommendations to minimize risks.
Despite experts stating that the seismic events are not directly linked to Santorini’s volcano, the unusual frequency of the tremors has caused concern among residents and visitors alike. Government officials and scientists have been meeting continuously to monitor the situation, and schools on nearby islands such as Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios were also closed as a safety measure.
Local resident Michalis Gerontakis, who leads the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, described the unsettling experience of feeling earthquakes every 10 to 20 minutes, noting that many in the community are anxious despite attempts to remain composed. He recounted performing at a church event amidst the tremors, highlighting the unpredictability of nature.
Authorities have advised against large indoor gatherings and areas prone to rockslides, while hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce potential damage from a quake. A 26-member rescue team, along with a rescue dog, has been stationed on the island, setting up operations near the main hospital as many residents, fearing for their safety, opted to sleep in their cars.
Tourists are also feeling the impact of the seismic activity. Some, like Nadia Benomar, a Moroccan tour guide who has lived on the island for nearly two decades, have chosen to leave, purchasing ferry tickets to nearby islands. Others, such as South Korean tourist Soo Jin Kim, reported feeling multiple tremors during their stay but expressed a desire to continue their vacation plans.
Santorini, a popular destination known for its stunning views and rich history, attracts over three million visitors annually. The island is shaped by a massive volcanic eruption that occurred over 3,500 years ago, one of the largest in human history. Although the last significant eruption took place in 1950, the island remains seismically active.
Prominent seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos warned that the current pattern of earthquakes could signal a larger event in the future. He noted the increasing frequency and magnitude of the quakes, which have shifted northeast, raising the risk level even though they are tectonic in nature rather than volcanic.
In Santorini’s main town of Fira, local officials have established gathering points for residents in case of evacuation, though Mayor Nikos Zorzos reassured the public that preparations do not necessarily indicate an impending disaster. He urged calm amidst the heightened alert, emphasizing the importance of being prepared without succumbing to panic.
As the situation continues to unfold, both residents and visitors remain on edge, balancing their daily lives against the backdrop of nature’s unpredictability.