Santorini, a jewel in Greece's tourism crown, is facing a seismic storm as an unprecedented series of undersea tremors rattles the island. Over the weekend, more than 200 tremors shook Santorini, with most occurring in the waters between the island and Amorgos. The tremors have triggered a wave of concern among residents and tourists alike, prompting many to flee the island. Schools have been closed until Friday, and people have been advised to steer clear of derelict buildings and avoid large indoor gatherings.
Greece is no stranger to earthquakes, sitting atop multiple fault lines that make it one of Europe's most seismically active regions. Santorini, attracting approximately 3.5 million tourists last year, has become the epicenter of apprehension as a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck at 2.17 PM local time on Monday. This was the most powerful tremor yet, escalating fears of a larger quake.
Dr. Gerassimos Papadopoulos, a leading seismologist, remarked on the rising seismic activity:
“The number of tremors has increased, magnitudes have risen, and epicentres have shifted north-east … The risk level has escalated.”
The geological activity under the seas surrounding Santorini is well-documented, known as a highly active seismic zone. The recent barrage of tremors has reignited historical fears of past quakes. In 1956, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the island, causing significant casualties and destruction.
Prof. Manolis Skordylis warned of the potential for a more substantial quake:
“It appears a seismic fault line has been activated and could cause an earthquake above six [on the Richter scale].”
The Greek government has responded swiftly to the escalating situation. Emergency medical crews, special forces, rescue teams, and drone handlers have been deployed to Santorini to ensure public safety and facilitate evacuations. Aegean Airlines has doubled flights from Athens to Santorini to accommodate those wishing to leave, with tickets selling out rapidly.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the severity of the situation:
“We are dealing with a very intense geological phenomenon.”
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to remain calm while following guidance from the civil protection ministry. Despite assurances that the tremors are tectonic rather than volcanic in nature, anxiety persists.
The island's history of powerful earthquakes serves as a stark reminder of the region's volatility. The 1956 earthquake resulted in 53 fatalities and widespread devastation, leaving an indelible mark on Santorini's collective memory.
Ferry companies have added extra services as people continue to leave in droves. Meanwhile, seismologists are closely monitoring the situation, assessing the likelihood of further activity and its potential impact.