A series of powerful earthquakes has rattled the Greek island of Santorini, prompting thousands of tourists to flee. Since last week, around 7,000 visitors have left the island, with many departing by ferry and others taking flights out. The quakes, which have reached magnitudes up to 5.2 on the Richter scale, have been centered about 15 miles from the island’s shores in the Aegean Sea.
Experts say the region has not experienced such intense seismic activity since records began in 1964. While no substantial damage or injuries have been reported, cracks have appeared in some buildings. Schools on all four affected islands have been closed for the week as a precaution.
The earthquakes’ unpredictability has driven tourists away, with nobody able to predict when the next quake might occur. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged residents to stay calm and follow instructions from officials. Local resident Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou, who has lived on the island for over 30 years, expressed concern but remained resolute, saying “it’s different this time” and that he won’t be leaving despite invites to stay with relatives in Athens.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/santorini-earthquakes-greece-island-tourists-flee