A series of Santorini earthquakes has struck the Greek island this week. Over 300 tremors have rattled the region in just 48 hours. This unprecedented situation has sparked a mass exodus of residents, despite official calls for calm.
Santorini Earthquakes Force Thousands to Flee
The evacuation numbers are staggering. Local media reports that 6,000 people have left by ferry since Sunday. Emergency flights have also been arranged. Aegean Airlines stepped in to help. They will have transported 2,500 to 2,700 passengers to Athens by Tuesday. This action came at the request of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Monitoring Recent Earthquakes at Santorini
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) continues to monitor the situation. They report tremors occurring just minutes apart. The largest quake struck on Monday afternoon. It reached magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale.
Prominent seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos has raised concerns. He warns that these tremors might signal a larger event. “All scenarios remain open,” he stated. “The tremors have grown stronger. Their epicentres have shifted northeast. These are tectonic quakes, not volcanic ones. Yet the risk level has increased.”
Emergency Response to Santorini Earthquakes
Officials have launched several safety initiatives. The South Aegean Regional Fire Department remains on high alert. Rescue teams now patrol the island. Emergency services have set up medical tents in key locations. They’ve also issued evacuation warnings for specific areas. These include Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira. These locations face potential landslide risks.
Official Statement and Reassurance
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke from Brussels about the crisis. He described it as “a very intense geological phenomenon.” Yet he urged islanders to stay calm. Greek authorities have offered additional reassurance. They confirm these tremors stem from tectonic movements. They are not related to volcanic activity.
Impact on Local Life
The situation has paralyzed daily life on the island. “Everything is closed now,” reported an 18-year-old resident to Reuters. “The whole island has emptied.” Local tour guide Kostas Sakavaras shared his experience. He left with his family after 18 years on the island. He noted that this level of seismic activity was unprecedented.
Looking Forward
Santorini’s volcanic history adds context to current events. The island’s last notable eruption occurred in 1950. Seismologist Efthymios Lekkas offers a reassuring perspective. He explains that major volcanic events happen roughly every 20,000 years. “It’s been 3,000 years since the last explosion,” he notes. “We have a very long time before facing another major event.”