SANTORINI – Hundreds of residents and visitors crowded Santorini’s port in the early hours of Tuesday, scrambling to board ferries bound for Athens as relentless earthquakes continued to shake the renowned Greek island.
Since Friday, a series of tremors have been recorded in the waters between Santorini and Amorgos, with seismic activity occurring every few minutes. Authorities have responded by closing schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, with the shutdown expected to last at least until Friday.
The European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) registered a 4.7-magnitude quake at 06:53 GMT, adding to the fears of those on the island. Santorini, known for its picturesque white and blue villages perched on steep cliffs, now faces widespread disruption.
“Everything has come to a standstill. No one is working, and the island is almost deserted,” said Dori, an 18-year-old resident, who was among those fleeing to Athens. “We’re leaving until the situation stabilizes.” In addition to the ferry evacuations, extra flights were scheduled to help more people leave the island.
Seismologists have warned that the intense earthquake activity could persist for days or even weeks, prompting authorities to restrict access to coastal areas due to potential landslides. Residents and business owners were also urged to avoid indoor gatherings, and some hotels have begun draining their pools to reduce structural strain on buildings.
Greece sits on the tectonic boundary between the African and Eurasian plates, making it one of Europe’s most earthquake-prone regions. Santorini itself is a product of volcanic activity, having taken its current form following a catastrophic eruption around 1600 BC. The island’s last recorded volcanic eruption occurred in 1950. As seismic tremors persist, many remain uncertain about when it will be safe to return.