A series of powerful earthquakes has caused widespread concern on the Greek island of Santorini, leading to the evacuation of over 11,000 tourists. The quakes, which began on January 26, have rocked the island and raised fears of a potential tsunami, prompting authorities in nearby Israel to prepare for the worst.
Since the onset of the earthquake swarm, more than 6,000 seismic events have been recorded in the Aegean Sea, with several reaching a magnitude of over 4.0. On February 6, a fresh wave of tremors was reported, with seven earthquakes occurring in the early morning. This led the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection to declare a state of emergency on Santorini until March 3.
The powerful shaking has disrupted daily life for both the local residents and tourists. Many travelers, unable to use ferries due to strong winds, have been leaving the island on emergency flights. Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic tourist destinations, welcomes about 3.4 million visitors annually. However, these recent seismic events have created uncertainty, with tourists eager to leave and local residents hoping for a return to normalcy.
The quakes, which have been centered in the Aegean Sea between Santorini, Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios, have raised concerns about the possibility of a tsunami. Israeli authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, preparing for potential waves triggered by the seismic activity. If a major earthquake strikes the region, Israel has roughly two hours to implement safety measures along its 200-kilometer Mediterranean coastline.
While the quakes have rattled the region, seismologists emphasize that the activity is not linked to volcanic eruptions in the area. However, experts warn that more powerful quakes are still a possibility, and the situation remains fluid.
Local officials in Santorini have urged visitors to stay informed and follow safety instructions as they await updates on the ongoing seismic activity. The current state of emergency will remain in effect until early March, as authorities continue to assess the risks.
With 20,000 residents on the island, Santorini remains on edge, uncertain about when the seismic activity will subside. While scientists can’t predict when the tremors will stop, the ongoing vigilance and precautionary measures from both Greek and Israeli authorities are key in ensuring public safety during this challenging time.
