Thousands Flee Santorini as Earthquakes Shake the Island
Thousands of residents and tourists are fleeing Santorini as relentless earthquakes continue to rattle the popular Greek island. Since Sunday, more than 6,000 people have left by ferry, with additional emergency flights scheduled to take passengers to safety. The tremors, which have been occurring every few minutes, have left many residents on edge, fearing a larger quake may be imminent.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre has recorded over 300 quakes in the past 48 hours, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.1. The tremors have also affected nearby islands such as Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi. While no major damage or injuries have been reported, authorities are not taking any chances. Schools have been shut for the week, large gatherings are discouraged, and certain coastal areas have been deemed unsafe due to the risk of landslides.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged residents to remain calm, calling the situation a "very intense geological phenomenon." Despite his reassurances, many locals have decided to leave the island. Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos has also reassured residents that emergency plans are in place should the situation worsen. Authorities have begun setting up shelters and food provisions for those who remain on the island. "We must approach this with patience and calm," he said.
Santorini, which is home to around 15,500 permanent residents, welcomes millions of tourists each year. However, February is the off-season, meaning most of those leaving are locals. Airlines and ferry operators have responded to the crisis by adding extra departures. Aegean Airlines, for instance, scheduled three additional flights following a request from Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Seismologists stress that the tremors are due to tectonic activity rather than volcanic unrest. Santorini sits on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, but the last major eruption occurred in the 1950s. "The number of tremors has increased, magnitudes have risen, and epicentres have shifted northeast," said seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos. While he noted that the risk level has escalated, he also emphasized that “all scenarios remain open.”
For many, the constant tremors are unsettling, even if they haven’t caused visible destruction. Santorini’s history is deeply tied to seismic events. A massive volcanic eruption around 1620 BC reshaped the island and is believed to have contributed to the decline of the ancient Minoan civilization. While the current tremors are not linked to volcanic activity, the sheer frequency and intensity of the quakes are cause for concern.
Authorities have placed the South Aegean Regional Fire Department on high alert, with rescue teams on standby. Push alerts have been sent to mobile phones warning residents to avoid landslide-prone areas, including Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira. Additional safety measures, such as emptying swimming pools, have also been advised.
While scientists cannot predict if a larger quake will follow, one thing is clear: Santorini’s residents are not waiting to find out.
