On February 7, 2025, a seismologist warned that seismic activity in Santorini, Greece, is ongoing, with the potential for a larger earthquake to occur. Rémy Bossu, Secretary-General of the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, indicated that the unusual tremors could continue for days or weeks, leading to a state of emergency on the island.
- Santorini experiences unusual seismic activity.
- State of emergency declared on Santorini.
- Largest quake recorded at magnitude 5.2.
- Evacuations organized due to safety concerns.
- Authorities predict continued seismic activity.
- Historical context of past major earthquakes.
The recent seismic activity in Santorini has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike. The island, a popular tourist destination, has been shaken by hundreds of tremors, with the largest recorded on Wednesday evening at a magnitude of 5.2. This quake marked the first significant tremor since the series began last week, which has seen many smaller quakes around magnitude 3.0.
In response to the ongoing situation, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the island to oversee emergency preparations. Authorities have estimated that approximately 11,000 individuals have evacuated Santorini, with many citing safety concerns for their families. The Greek government has arranged additional flights to facilitate evacuations, although ferry services faced delays due to high winds.
Bossu described the current seismic activity as an “earthquake swarm,” which is unusual for the region. Normally, seismic patterns consist of a large earthquake followed by diminishing aftershocks. In this case, the tremors have been increasing in magnitude and frequency, suggesting that larger earthquakes could still occur. The tremors are located between Santorini and Amorgos, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Santorini, and are felt strongly on the island.
Historically, Santorini has experienced significant seismic events, with the last major earthquake occurring in 1956. That event caused considerable damage and loss of life, leading to heightened awareness and preparedness among local authorities today. As the situation develops, officials continue to monitor the seismic activity closely.
The ongoing seismic activity in Santorini has prompted significant evacuations and emergency preparations. With the potential for larger earthquakes looming, authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
