Greece has closed schools and deployed emergency services on the Aegean island of Santorini after hundreds of minor and moderate earthquakes struck the area over the past 48 hours. The ministry for civil protection said more than 200 tremors had occurred between Santorini and Amorgos, with some exceeding magnitude 4.5.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos described the quakes as an “intense pre-seismic sequence” that was increasing in magnitude. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged islanders to remain calm and follow civil protection orders.
Most tremors were minor, but some caused damage including landslides. The Greek Organization of Earthquake Planning and Protection advised islanders to avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces and stay away from ports near cliffs to reduce potential damage.
Experts said the risk of a major earthquake was low, with “very small” chances of a much bigger quake. They also emphasized that the seismic activity was not linked to a dormant volcano on Santorini.
The last major earthquake on the island occurred in 1956, which killed 53 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. Despite some concerns about excessive measures, officials said the guidelines of expert committees should be followed.
Thousands of people were reportedly looking to depart the island, but there was no mass exodus. Emergency flights have been added to Aegean Airlines, and the British Foreign Office has included official warnings in its online travel advisory for Greece.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/world/europe/greece-earthquake-islands-santorini.html