Santorini, Greece – Thousands of residents have fled Santorini in recent days as the island continues to experience an intense wave of seismic activity.
More than 300 earthquakes have been recorded near the popular tourist destination in the last 48 hours, prompting fears of potential destruction.
Approximately 9,000 people have left Santorini since Sunday, with emergency flights and ferry services assisting in the evacuation. Authorities have closed schools, issued warnings against large indoor gatherings, and urged residents to remain vigilant.
However, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm, emphasizing that there is currently no immediate threat of a catastrophic event.
The tremors, including a magnitude 5 earthquake on Tuesday, have left residents anxious. Many have chosen to sleep in their cars, fearing that buildings could collapse. Despite the ongoing quakes, no significant structural damage has been reported so far.
Local businesses have been severely affected, as daily life has come to a standstill. “Everything is closed. No one works now. The whole island has emptied,” an 18-year-old resident told Reuters while waiting to board a ferry to the mainland.
According to local media, approximately 6,000 people have left by ferry since Sunday, while an estimated 2,700 passengers have been flown from Santorini to Athens via emergency flights operated by Aegean Airlines.
The airline confirmed that it added nine extra flights following a request from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos, acknowledged that the seismic activity could persist for weeks. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, including the establishment of temporary shelters and food provisions for those who remain on the island.
Residents have also been advised to avoid certain areas prone to landslides, such as Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira.
Government officials, emergency response teams, and military personnel convened on Tuesday to assess the situation. A follow-up meeting, chaired by the prime minister, is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss further actions.
Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation and analyzing data to understand the cause of the tremors. The earthquakes have primarily originated near the islet of Anydros, northeast of Santorini.
Experts have stressed that the activity is related to tectonic movements rather than volcanic activity, alleviating concerns of an imminent eruption.
Santorini is part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a seismically active region where earthquakes are a common occurrence due to the movement of tectonic plates.
While scientists cannot predict earthquakes with certainty, Greek authorities are focusing on preparedness, reinforcing structures, and ensuring rapid evacuation if needed.
As uncertainty looms, residents remain cautious. Many hope to return once seismic activity stabilizes, but for now, Santorini—a bustling hub during peak tourist seasons—feels eerily deserted.
The situation continues to evolve, with authorities urging residents to stay informed and follow safety protocols in case of further tremors.
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