A series of earthquakes has been shaking the Greek island of Santorini, forcing thousands of people to evacuate as concerns grow over the island’s stability. Since late January, more than 12,800 tremors have been recorded, with some reaching magnitudes over 5.0. Although Santorini is known for its volcanic past, scientists have ruled out a direct connection between the current seismic activity and volcanic movement. Instead, experts believe tectonic shifts beneath the Aegean Sea are responsible for the quakes. While authorities are closely monitoring the situation and enforcing safety measures, uncertainty remains over whether the tremors will gradually subside or lead to a stronger earthquake in the coming weeks.
The recent storm of tremors has prompted many people to leave, with 13,000 of the island’s 15,000 residents fleeing the area. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency, which, according to AA, “will remain in effect until at least March 3.”Emergency response teams have been deployed to Santorini and Amorgos to assist with evacuations and monitor the situation. According to AP News, “Extra doctors and paramedics have been sent to Santorini’s hospital, while six disaster medicine teams are on standby as reinforcements.” Also, BBC News states, “A team of the Special Disaster Response Unit has set off for Amorgos from Patras with a special earthquake rescue vehicle, and technical teams are expected to inspect the electricity network on the island.”
Schools remain closed across Santorini and surrounding islands, and large indoor gatherings have been banned due to safety concerns. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has assured residents that all possible precautions are being taken. According to The New York Times, he stated, “We’re preparing for the worst while hoping for the best” during a recent visit to Santorini. However, for many residents, the constant shaking has become intolerable.
Giorgos Kalamatas, a 37-year-old business owner, shared with The New York Times that he decided to leave with his family due to the constant shaking, which was nerve-racking and raised concerns about the safety of his children. Similarly, Renia Bledaki, a 52-year-old makeup artist, told the newspaper that she stayed behind to care for elderly relatives, describing nights spent sleeping in a car during the larger tremors: “The car was bouncing.”
Seismologists continue to analyze the ongoing swarm of earthquakes to determine whether they signal a larger quake to come. Vassilis Karastathis, director of the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens, noted in The National Herald that while there are signs of stabilization, a major earthquake cannot be ruled out. “The possibility of a main earthquake following cannot be ruled out,” the University of Athens’ crisis management committee stated in a report. Scientists remain divided on whether tremors are part of a “seismic swarm” or a precursor to a stronger quake.
Santorini’s unique geology adds to the uncertainty. According to Novinite, “Santorini, located on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, has a history of seismic activity, but experts have confirmed that the recent tremors are due to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity.” Nevertheless, concerns over landslides persist, particularly for structures built into Santorini’s cliffs. Geology professor Dimitrios Papanikolaou warned that “hotels in…Fira and Oia,” perched on hardened lava and pumice stone, could face structural risks, according to The New York Times. “A stronger earthquake could cause sections of buildings like balconies and swimming pools to collapse,” he explained.
While Santorini’s tourist season typically kicks off around mid-February and peaks just before Easter, this year, cruise ships and visitors have already begun to pull back, signaling a challenging year ahead for the island. Many essential businesses, from major travel agencies to small local shops, are already feeling the impact of this downturn. According to BCC, Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece’s Association of Hoteliers, shared, “‘…we have seen a drop in bookings, but we hope this will be short-lived.’” This decline is especially concerning in Santorini, where many businesses depend on tourism to stay afloat. During the peak season, the island accommodates thousands of visitors daily, and the financial stress of this setback is being felt deeply by the local community. Workers who are accustomed to the bustle of tourists are now facing an uncertain future, with the ongoing aftermath of the earthquakes adding to their worries.
As the island grapples with the earthquakes, many hope that they will end before creating any further damage. While the recovery may be slow, Santorini’s resilience and the unwavering support of its community offer a spark of hope for a full comeback. With time, the island could regain its place as the beloved and sought-after destination it once was, emerging even stronger from this crisis.
