Santorini Shaken by Persistent Quakes – Thousands Evacuate as Tremors Continue
Santorini, the stunning Greek island known for its iconic white-washed buildings and deep blue seas, is currently facing a serious crisis. A relentless series of earthquakes has rocked the island, forcing the Greek government to declare a state of emergency. Over the past week, more than 11,000 people have fled, with fears of landslides and even stronger tremors looming over residents and tourists alike.
The seismic activity began intensifying in late January, with thousands of minor quakes recorded offshore. But things took a more alarming turn on February 6, when a powerful 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck between Santorini and Amorgos. This was quickly followed by seven more tremors above magnitude 4, shaking the region throughout the night. The Athens Geodynamic Institute has reported over 6,000 quakes in the area since January 26, an unprecedented number that has seismologists on high alert.
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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has assured the public that all emergency services are fully mobilized, and additional rescue teams have been sent to the island as a precaution. Authorities have also deployed more seismic sensors to closely monitor the situation. Despite the fear gripping the region, there have been no reported injuries or major damage—at least for now.
Santorini, which lies atop a dormant volcano, has a long history of seismic activity. However, experts have confirmed that the recent quakes are not linked to any volcanic movement. Instead, they are caused by tectonic activity in a fault line between Santorini and Amorgos. Still, the scale of the current seismic swarm is unlike anything recorded in the region since 1964.
For now, officials are warning residents and tourists to remain cautious, as the tremors may persist for weeks or even months. Schools have been closed, certain high-risk areas have been restricted, and locals are being urged to stay away from cliffs and older buildings. While many have already left the island, some remain, hoping that the worst is over.
So, what happens next? Seismologists say that while the intensity of the quakes may decrease, the situation remains unpredictable. Earthquake swarms like this can settle down—or suddenly trigger a larger, more destructive quake. As the Greek government and scientists work around the clock to assess the risk, the people of Santorini can only wait and hope that their paradise island will soon find peace again.
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