Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous tourist destinations, is facing a seismic crisis as thousands of residents and tourists flee the island following hundreds of earthquakes.
The Greek public broadcaster ERT reports that more than 6,000 people have left in recent days, seeking safety on the mainland.
Early Tuesday morning, hundreds of residents carrying belongings were seen at the island’s port waiting for ferries bound for Athens. The island has been shaken by over 550 tremors in the past three days, with magnitudes reaching up to 4.9. The strongest quake so far occurred over the weekend, followed by a 4.8 magnitude tremor early Tuesday.
Experts Warn of Prolonged Seismic Activity
The Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) warned that the seismic activity could persist for weeks. Santorini, situated near the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, has a long history of geological activity. Although tremors are common, the current near-constant seismic events are rare.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged residents to remain calm, acknowledging that the country is dealing with “a very intense geological phenomenon.” Authorities are coordinating evacuation efforts, with 15 additional flights scheduled to transport residents to Athens on Tuesday.
Island in Crisis: Daily Life Comes to a Halt
The once-bustling island, known for its iconic whitewashed buildings and breathtaking views of the caldera, has been brought to a standstill. Schools have been closed until Friday, and residents have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings.
Dori, an 18-year-old resident, described the desolation, telling Reuters, “Everything is closed. No one works now. The whole island has emptied.”
Julian Sinanaj, a 35-year-old resident who has lived and worked on the island for years, expressed shock at the unprecedented situation. “Nobody was expecting this to happen. What is happening now on the island is incredible,” he told Reuters.
Historical and Geological Significance
Santorini’s geological history is marked by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, which formed the island’s iconic caldera around 3,600 years ago. Its most recent large quake in 1956, with a magnitude of 7.5, claimed at least 53 lives and injured more than 100 people.
As authorities and experts monitor the situation, the Greek government remains focused on ensuring the safety of residents and managing the island’s emergency response. The long-term impact on Santorini’s tourism, which typically welcomes 3.4 million visitors annually, remains uncertain.