Santorini, Greece – A state of emergency has been declared in Santorini after a series of significant earthquakes have rattled the island, prompting thousands of residents and tourists to flee. The latest quake, with a magnitude of 5.2, struck the area on Wednesday evening, marking the strongest tremor since the seismic activity began.
The Greek Civil Protection Ministry has taken action by placing Santorini under a state of emergency until March 3rd in response to the ongoing earthquakes. It is estimated that around 11,000 people have evacuated the island, known for its popular tourist attractions that draw millions of visitors each year.
In light of the emergency, Greek authorities have organized extra flights to assist with the evacuation efforts, although rough weather conditions briefly disrupted ferry services on Wednesday. Santorini, situated on the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, often experiences seismic activity, though the recent wave of tremors has been particularly intense and prolonged.
While no major damage has been reported so far, officials are preparing for the possibility of a more severe earthquake. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on citizens to cooperate with authorities following a meeting to discuss the situation. The history of Santorini is marked by geological events, including the formation of its iconic caldera – a volcanic crater created by a massive eruption around 1600 BC.
The ongoing series of earthquakes in Santorini, ranging in magnitude from 3.0 to over 5.0, has raised concerns among residents and officials. The island’s most recent major earthquake, with a 7.5 magnitude, occurred in 1956, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. Amid the current seismic activity, neighboring islands such as Amorgos and Ios have also experienced tremors, highlighting the region’s susceptibility to geological disruptions.