Jamie Spencer
A state of emergency has been declared in Santorini after the strongest earthquake in days of near-constant tremors shook the Greek island, prompting thousands to flee.
5.2-Magnitude Quake Rocks Santorini
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday evening, the first to exceed 5.0 since tremors began last week. The Greek Civil Protection Ministry placed the island under a state of emergency until March 3 as authorities brace for possible stronger seismic activity.
Santorini, which attracts 3.4 million tourists annually and is home to 20,000 residents, has seen about 11,000 people flee the island in recent days.
Evacuations and Travel Disruptions
Authorities arranged additional flights to help people reach the mainland, but high winds temporarily halted ferry services on Wednesday, complicating evacuation efforts. Normal ferry operations resumed Thursday.
Seismic Activity Raises Concerns
Located near the boundary of the massive African and Eurasian tectonic plates, Santorini is no stranger to earthquakes, but the intensity and duration of the recent tremors have raised alarm.
- Hundreds of 3.0-magnitude tremors have hit the island over the past week.
- After Wednesday’s 5.2 quake, at least five more quakes above 4.0 followed.
While no major damage has been reported, officials remain on high alert.
Government Response
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged cooperation with authorities, stating, “The whole state mechanism has been activated.”
Volcanic History and Previous Earthquakes
Santorini’s dramatic caldera was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, one of the largest in recorded history.
The island’s most recent major earthquake, a 7.5-magnitude quake in 1956, killed at least 53 people and injured over 100.
Conclusion
With tremors continuing and memories of past disasters looming, Greek authorities are taking precautionary measures to protect residents and visitors. Scientists and officials will closely monitor seismic activity as the island remains on high alert.
