In brief
Authorities urge residents and visitors to heed evacuation orders as tremors rattle Santorini.
Thousands of residents and tourists are fleeing the iconic Greek island of Santorini due to a surge in seismic activity. Reports indicate that since Sunday, more than 6,000 individuals have evacuated via ferry, with additional emergency flights initiated for those seeking to leave the island quickly. In just 48 hours, over 300 earthquakes have been documented, and experts predict that such tremors could persist for weeks to come. To mitigate potential risks, schools on the island have been closed for the week, and officials have advised against gathering in large indoor venues. “We are working to manage what appears to be a very intense geological phenomenon,” stated Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who has emphasized the importance of remaining calm amidst this unsettling situation.Santorini, a renowned tourist hotspot, is currently experiencing its off-peak season, allowing many local residents to leave without heavily impacting tourism. On Tuesday morning, residents formed long lines at the ferry terminal, with one local describing the eerie quiet that has overtaken the once-bustling island. “Everything is closed. No one works now. The whole island has emptied,” said an 18-year-old before boarding the ferry.In addition to the ferry evacuations, Aegean Airlines has increased its flight capacity after the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection requested additional air travel support. Up to 2,700 individuals are expected to fly to Athens in the coming days. Seismologists have categorized the recent earthquakes as minor, but precautionary measures are still in effect to safeguard residents. Emergency services have advised locals to vacate certain areas prone to landslides, such as Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira. The South Aegean Regional Fire Department is fully mobilized, with rescue teams on standby as the community navigates this unsettling episode.While the tremors are attributed to tectonic plate activity rather than volcanic eruptions, Santorini's geographical location in the Hellenic Volcanic Arc is a constant reminder of its potentially hazardous environment. As residents await the reopening of schools and a return to normalcy, many plan to return once safety is assured.
