Santorini, the world-famous Greek island known for its breathtaking views and vibrant tourism, has been experiencing an intense seismic swarm, leaving residents and visitors on edge. In early February 2025, over 200 earthquakes struck the region, with the strongest reaching magnitude 5.1. The tremors have prompted mass evacuations, school closures, and heightened monitoring by seismologists.
Unprecedented Seismic Activity: What’s Happening?
The earthquakes, recorded between February 1 and 2, originated between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos. While Santorini has a long history of seismic and volcanic activity, experts have clarified that this event is tectonic, not volcanic, meaning it’s caused by movements along fault lines rather than magma shifting beneath the island.
Despite this, the continuous tremors have raised fears among locals and tourists, leading to a surge in departures from the island.
Mass Evacuations and Government Response
The Greek government and local authorities have taken immediate action to ensure public safety:
✅ Schools on Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi have been closed indefinitely.
✅ Hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to prevent water from causing structural damage during tremors.
✅ Authorities advised people to stay away from coastal areas, weak structures, and enclosed spaces.
✅ Construction activities were paused in high-risk areas.
By February 4, more than 9,000 people had evacuated Santorini, with additional ferry services and emergency flights arranged to accommodate the growing number of departures. Airports and ports were overwhelmed with travelers seeking to leave the island, leading to long delays and crowded terminals.
What the Experts Say: Is Santorini’s Volcano at Risk?
Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation, and the good news is that the recent earthquakes are not linked to volcanic activity.
🌋 Santorini’s volcanic history is well-documented, with its last major eruption occurring around 1600 B.C. (the famous Minoan eruption) and another significant seismic event in 1956, which caused a tsunami. However, leading experts, including Efthymios Lekkas from Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, have ruled out a direct connection to the volcano at this time.
That said, they warn that seismic swarms can last for days or even weeks, meaning Santorini may continue to experience aftershocks.
Current Measures and Safety Recommendations
Authorities have ramped up emergency response efforts, including:
🚨 Deploying rescue teams with sniffer dogs to assess potential structural damage.
🚨 Establishing temporary shelters for those unable to leave the island.
🚨 Increasing real-time monitoring of the seismic activity.
Residents and tourists are urged to:
✔️ Stay alert and follow safety instructions from local authorities.
✔️ Avoid unstable structures and landslide-prone areas.
✔️ Keep emergency supplies ready in case of further strong tremors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Santorini’s volcano waking up?
No, the earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic. There is no current evidence that the volcano is becoming active.
2. How long will the earthquakes continue?
Seismologists warn that seismic swarms can last for weeks, so tremors may continue for some time.
3. Is it safe to visit Santorini right now?
While there is no official travel ban, many tourists have chosen to postpone their trips due to safety concerns.
4. Have there been any injuries or major damage?
No significant injuries or deaths have been reported. However, some buildings have developed cracks, and minor landslides have occurred.
5. Will flights and ferries continue to operate?
Yes, but delays and cancellations are expected as authorities prioritize evacuations.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried?
Santorini remains one of the world’s most beautiful and historically rich destinations, but nature is unpredictable. While there is no immediate volcanic risk, the seismic activity serves as a reminder of the island’s dynamic geological history.
Sources AP News
