Santorini Faces Surge in Earthquakes as Residents Stay Vigilant

The Greek island of Santorini has experienced a series of strong earthquakes, leading to precautionary measures and a state of emergency as residents remain alert and adapt to the changing landscape.

Santorini has been jolted by a significant 5.3 magnitude earthquake, marking the most intense tremor during a period of heightened seismic activity in the region. The quake struck Monday evening, reaching a depth of 17km (10.6 miles) and reverberated even in Athens. Nearby island Amorgos is also on high alert following this latest quake, which came after a moderate 5.0 tremor on Sunday night.

Since January, the popular tourist destination has experienced alarmingly frequent seismic events, with over 12,800 tremors recorded by the University of Athens' Seismological Laboratory. In light of the ongoing tremors, some locals have taken it upon themselves to patrol precarious areas to deter tourists from capturing photos on cliffs.

Landslides have been reported across various regions of Santorini due to the persistent quakes, and while experts initially believed the tremors were beginning to lessen, there is now rising concern that their intensity may instead be increasing. An emergency status is in effect for Santorini, lasting until at least March 3.

The Sunday earthquake was preceded by three smaller quakes exceeding 4.0 magnitude, and another three tremors on Monday morning matched or exceeded that threshold. Fortunately, inspections have revealed no structural damage or injuries in Santorini or Amorgos, but tourism has taken a hit, leading over 11,000 visitors to flee the islands. Schools across Santorini, Amorgos, and several neighboring islands have remained closed for safety on both Monday and Tuesday.

In response to the escalating situation, a unit from Special Disaster Response has mobilized from Patras to Amorgos with specialized earthquake rescue vehicles, while technical teams are investigating the islands' electrical networks. Professor Kostas Papazachos of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki commented on the importance of remaining cautious, hinting at the potential for continued seismic activity throughout February, yet encouraging patience and hope for de-escalation.

Meanwhile, despite the turbulence, the Viking Star cruise ship carrying 893 passengers and 470 crew members successfully docked in Crete early Monday, altering its course to evade overcrowded cable cars in Santorini due to the seismic unrest.

As one of Europe's most earthquake-prone nations, Greece has baffled scientists with the current clusters of quakes, which are not directly tied to a major seismic shock. Although Santorini sits within the Hellenic Volcanic Arc—a region shaped by volcanic activity—it has been over six decades since the last significant eruption. Greek authorities emphasize that recent tremors stem from tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic actions, and with the unpredictability of earthquake phenomena, caution remains of utmost importance for the islands' residents and visitors alike.