The stunning island of Santorini, known for its beauty, faces sudden emptiness as tremors cause mass evacuations, with no clear end in sight.
Nonstop Tremors Force Evacuations on Greek Island of Santorini
Nonstop Tremors Force Evacuations on Greek Island of Santorini
Thousands flee the popular tourist destination due to relentless earthquakes, leaving the island eerily quiet.
February 10, 2025, marked a significant downturn for the picturesque island of Santorini, Greece, as continuous seismic activity forced a mass exodus of its residents. Typically bustling with tourists, Santorini has recently been shaken by thousands of tremors, causing approximately 13,000 of its 15,500 residents to flee the island in search of safety. The jarring earthquakes, which have escalated since January 25, culminated in a notable magnitude-5.2 quake near the island on Wednesday.
Despite being known for its serenity and summer crowds, the streets of Santorini have been largely deserted. Visitors, seemingly unfazed, wander amidst the quiet, mostly from Asia. Data from local geologists reveal that the tremor frequency has been alarming, with 160 tremors exceeding magnitude 4 recorded just in the first nine days of February, a stark contrast from the 90 of similar strength throughout the previous year.
Expert Vassilis Karastathis from the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens has expressed uncertainties about what lies ahead. He warned that while some signs indicate stabilization, predicting the continuation of tremors remains elusive. "We can't rule out a large earthquake as the situation evolves," he stated, suggesting the possibility that this unusual seismic activity may persist for weeks.
In response to the rising concerns, local authorities have taken critical steps. Schools across the island are closed, large indoor gatherings have been banned, and emergency personnel have been dispatched. Authorities are also prepared for potential evacuations, with landing crafts positioned for immediate action. Fears of landslides have prompted closures in certain areas, while sandbags have been strategically placed near coastal homes to mitigate risks. Alongside physical preparations, mental health support from Red Cross psychologists is available to assist anxious residents, and prayers have been held by local clergy to seek an end to the relentless shaking.
Despite being known for its serenity and summer crowds, the streets of Santorini have been largely deserted. Visitors, seemingly unfazed, wander amidst the quiet, mostly from Asia. Data from local geologists reveal that the tremor frequency has been alarming, with 160 tremors exceeding magnitude 4 recorded just in the first nine days of February, a stark contrast from the 90 of similar strength throughout the previous year.
Expert Vassilis Karastathis from the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens has expressed uncertainties about what lies ahead. He warned that while some signs indicate stabilization, predicting the continuation of tremors remains elusive. "We can't rule out a large earthquake as the situation evolves," he stated, suggesting the possibility that this unusual seismic activity may persist for weeks.
In response to the rising concerns, local authorities have taken critical steps. Schools across the island are closed, large indoor gatherings have been banned, and emergency personnel have been dispatched. Authorities are also prepared for potential evacuations, with landing crafts positioned for immediate action. Fears of landslides have prompted closures in certain areas, while sandbags have been strategically placed near coastal homes to mitigate risks. Alongside physical preparations, mental health support from Red Cross psychologists is available to assist anxious residents, and prayers have been held by local clergy to seek an end to the relentless shaking.
