As thousands of local residents flee Santorini, authorities focus on safety precautions amid ongoing seismic activity.
Thousands Evacuate Santorini as Earthquake Risks Rise
Thousands Evacuate Santorini as Earthquake Risks Rise
Emergency measures are prompted on the island following over 300 recorded tremors.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to evacuate the popular Greek island of Santorini due to a surge in seismic activity, prompting fears of a potential earthquake. Local media reports indicate that around 6,000 people have left the island by ferry since Sunday, and special emergency flights have been arranged to assist with the evacuation.
In the past 48 hours alone, over 300 earthquakes have been detected in the vicinity of Santorini, with some seismic events reaching up to a magnitude of 4.7. Although there has been no significant damage reported, experts predict that tremors could continue for weeks, leading Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to call for public calm amid the unfolding situation.
In response to the earthquake fears, all schools on the island have been suspended for the week, and gatherings indoors have been discouraged. Most of those fleeing are locals, as February is typically not peak tourist season for the island known for its breathtaking sunsets and iconic white buildings.
Long lines formed at the island’s port as residents attempted to catch ferries to the mainland. One local resident, an 18-year-old who planned to board a vessel, expressed her frustration, stating, “Everything is closed. No-one works now. The whole island has emptied." In addition to ferry departures, nearly 2,700 passengers are expected to have flown out to Athens via emergency airline services.
Santaorini’s population of approximately 15,500 typically welcomes millions of tourists each year, but the current situation has changed the usual bustling atmosphere into one of caution and alertness. Tour guide Kostas Sakavaras, who left the island with his family, expressed that while nothing had fallen due to the tremors, the unsettling noises were the most concerning aspect.
Authorities have issued warnings to residents in specific areas prone to landslides as they remain on alert. The South Aegean Regional Fire Department has mobilized rescue teams equipped with large medical tents on the island, proactively preparing for any emergencies that may arise.
Experts have clarified that the recent tremors are linked to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity. Santorini lies along the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, but its last major eruption occurred in the 1950s, leading residents to remain hopeful that the current seismic activity is manageable.
In the past 48 hours alone, over 300 earthquakes have been detected in the vicinity of Santorini, with some seismic events reaching up to a magnitude of 4.7. Although there has been no significant damage reported, experts predict that tremors could continue for weeks, leading Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to call for public calm amid the unfolding situation.
In response to the earthquake fears, all schools on the island have been suspended for the week, and gatherings indoors have been discouraged. Most of those fleeing are locals, as February is typically not peak tourist season for the island known for its breathtaking sunsets and iconic white buildings.
Long lines formed at the island’s port as residents attempted to catch ferries to the mainland. One local resident, an 18-year-old who planned to board a vessel, expressed her frustration, stating, “Everything is closed. No-one works now. The whole island has emptied." In addition to ferry departures, nearly 2,700 passengers are expected to have flown out to Athens via emergency airline services.
Santaorini’s population of approximately 15,500 typically welcomes millions of tourists each year, but the current situation has changed the usual bustling atmosphere into one of caution and alertness. Tour guide Kostas Sakavaras, who left the island with his family, expressed that while nothing had fallen due to the tremors, the unsettling noises were the most concerning aspect.
Authorities have issued warnings to residents in specific areas prone to landslides as they remain on alert. The South Aegean Regional Fire Department has mobilized rescue teams equipped with large medical tents on the island, proactively preparing for any emergencies that may arise.
Experts have clarified that the recent tremors are linked to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity. Santorini lies along the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, but its last major eruption occurred in the 1950s, leading residents to remain hopeful that the current seismic activity is manageable.
