- Over 6,000 residents have fled Santorini following more than 300 earthquakes in 48 hours.
- Authorities have closed schools and issued evacuation warnings amid ongoing tremors.
- Seismologists say the quakes are linked to tectonic activity, not volcanic eruption.
Thousands of residents have evacuated the Greek island of Santorini amid ongoing seismic activity, with over 300 tremors recorded in just 48 hours.
Since Sunday, approximately 6,000 people have left by ferry, while emergency flights are transporting additional evacuees to the mainland.
Authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including the closure of schools for the week and restrictions on large indoor gatherings.
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Although Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged calm, experts warn that the tremors could persist for weeks.
Santorini, known for its stunning whitewashed buildings and a major tourist destination, is experiencing this seismic activity outside the peak season, meaning most of those leaving are local residents.
Several earthquakes, the strongest measuring 4.7 in magnitude, struck northeast of the island early on Tuesday.
Despite no significant damage reported, emergency services remain on high alert. Hundreds of residents gathered at the port in the early hours of Tuesday to board ferries bound for the mainland.
“Everything is closed. No one is working now. The whole island has emptied,” an 18-year-old resident told Reuters before departing.
Air evacuations are also underway, with Aegean Airlines confirming it has added three emergency flights following a request from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Between Monday and Tuesday, an estimated 2,500 to 2,700 passengers were expected to fly from Santorini to Athens.
Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos acknowledged that seismic activity “may last many weeks” but called for “patience and calm.” Plans are in place to establish shelters and distribute food should stronger tremors occur.
Emergency services have issued warnings to avoid areas prone to landslides, including Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira.
The South Aegean Regional Fire Department is on high alert, with rescue teams deployed and medical stations set up across the island.
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The tremors originate from an area near the islet of Anydros, northeast of Santorini. While Santorini lies within the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, scientists believe this activity is due to tectonic movements rather than volcanic activity.
Earthquakes occur when stress builds up and is released along fault lines where tectonic plates interact.
Although scientists cannot predict earthquakes precisely, preparedness measures such as constructing earthquake-resistant buildings and timely evacuations help mitigate risks.
Greek authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as residents and officials brace for potential further seismic activity.
