Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous islands, has been experiencing a series of earthquakes in recent days, forcing thousands of residents and visitors to leave. The strongest tremor, a magnitude 5.2 quake, struck on the evening of Wednesday, 5th February 2025. While no major damage has been reported, authorities remain on high alert as aftershocks continue to rattle the island and surrounding areas.
Santorini: A Tourist Hotspot Under Threat
Santorini is part of the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Known for its white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets, the island attracts millions of tourists annually. It is also a geologically significant location, sitting on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a chain of islands formed by volcanic activity. The island was shaped by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, around 3,600 years ago.
While Santorini’s volcano is currently dormant, the region is highly seismically active. The Greek islands frequently experience earthquakes due to the movement of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. In 1956, a powerful earthquake measuring over magnitude 7 struck the region, causing significant damage and triggering a tsunami.
Did you know?
Earthquake swarms are a series of many small earthquakes happening in the same area over a short period. Unlike a single large earthquake with aftershocks, swarms can last for days, weeks, or even months. They often indicate underground stress changes and can sometimes precede a larger earthquake—but not always! Scientists closely monitor swarms to assess potential risks.
A Wave of Earthquakes Strikes Santorini
The recent seismic activity began on 31st January, with hundreds of small tremors recorded over several days. These earthquake swarms raised concerns among scientists, who warned that such patterns can sometimes precede a more significant seismic event. Authorities closely monitored the situation, preparing for the possibility of a more significant quake.
On 5th February, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake hit between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos at a shallow depth of 5 km. This was followed by a magnitude 4.7 quake southwest of Amorgos the next morning. More than 200 tremors have been detected within 48 hours, an unusually high level of seismic activity.
According to experts at Greece’s Geodynamic Institute, the earthquakes are due to tectonic activity rather than volcanic unrest. However, seismologists remain cautious, warning that a larger quake cannot be ruled out.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Fearing a stronger earthquake, more than 11,000 people have recently left Santorini. Approximately 7,000 people have departed by ferry, while 4,000 have flown to mainland Greece. Authorities have advised residents and visitors to avoid old or damaged buildings and stay away from the shoreline in case of a tsunami.
Schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Anafi, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, have been closed as a precaution. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, have been deployed to the island. The Greek government has also set up backup telecommunications if a stronger earthquake disrupts communication networks.
How Authorities Manage the Risk
Greece is one of Europe’s most seismically active countries, and earthquake preparedness is a key priority. Authorities use several methods to reduce the risks associated with earthquakes:
- Monitoring: Seismologists use networks of seismometers to detect and analyse earthquake activity. Scientists track ground movements to identify patterns that could signal a more significant earthquake.
- Prediction: While exact predictions are impossible, researchers study past earthquakes and current seismic trends to assess the likelihood of future quakes.
- Protection: Modern buildings in Greece are designed to withstand seismic activity. Engineers use flexible materials and reinforced structures to reduce damage during an earthquake.
- Planning: Government agencies conduct earthquake drills, educate the public, and develop evacuation plans. Schools and businesses have designated safe zones to protect people during a quake.
What Happens Next?
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. While Santorini has so far avoided severe damage, the frequency of tremors has led experts to remain on high alert. The Greek government has reassured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken and urged people to stay calm.
For now, the island’s famous streets are quieter than usual, as many have left for safer ground. The situation will be reviewed daily, with officials prepared to take further action. Whether this earthquake swarm marks the start of a larger seismic event or gradually subsides remains uncertain, but for now, Santorini is on edge, waiting to see what happens next.
