A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 struck between the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini on February 6, 2025, at 21:09 local time (19:09 GMT). This quake follows several days of tremors in the area, prompting the evacuation of over 11,000 people from Santorini, predominantly local residents and workers due to the low tourist season.
- Strong earthquake recorded near Santorini
- Over 11,000 people evacuated from Santorini
- Schools closed until further notice
- Emergency services deployed to the island
- Prime Minister reassures residents to stay calm
- Recent tremors linked to tectonic movements
The recent seismic activity has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5 km and was the strongest in a series of tremors affecting the region. Authorities have reported no major damage on Santorini, but they are taking precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
Evacuations have been significant, with approximately 7,000 people leaving by ferry and 4,000 by air. In addition to the evacuations, schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Anafi, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, will remain closed until Friday, when officials will reassess the situation. The Greek government has mobilized specialized disaster response units to the island.
Vassilis Kikilias, the climate and civil protection minister, confirmed that firefighters trained in natural disasters are being dispatched, along with teams equipped with specialized dogs and a mobile operations center. Helicopters are on standby for emergencies, and the coast guard and armed forces are prepared to assist vulnerable individuals wishing to evacuate. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed confidence in the response measures, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.
The earthquake near Santorini highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as it lies on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc. While the recent tremors are attributed to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity, the situation remains under close observation. Authorities continue to assess the risks and provide updates to ensure public safety.
