As seismic activity intensifies on the stunning Greek island of Santorini, both tourists and locals find themselves in a race to evacuate. With over 280 undersea earthquakes recorded in just three days, the island's charm is momentarily overshadowed by the threat of a powerful earthquake.
Authorities have swiftly arranged additional flights to the Greek capital, Athens, while ships are ferrying people away from the island. The evacuation orders come as experts emphasize that, although the quakes—many exceeding a magnitude of 4.5—are not linked to Santorini's famous volcano, the pattern of seismic activity is indeed alarming.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged islanders to remain calm amidst the chaos. “We have a very intense geological phenomenon to handle,” he stated, encouraging residents to follow the guidance of the Civil Protection Authority.
Schools have been closed, and access to certain seaside areas has been restricted due to safety concerns. Local hotels have been instructed to drain swimming pools to minimize potential damage from any forthcoming tremors.
The tremors have left residents anxious, with one local, Michalis Gerontakis, director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, expressing, “I have never felt anything like this and with such frequency—an earthquake every 10 or 20 minutes.”
Experts warn that the situation may persist for weeks, with Professor Efthymios Lekkas from Greece's Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization noting that the phenomenon is complex and could take time to stabilize.
Despite the current challenges, Santorini remains a premier travel destination, known for its breathtaking whitewashed villages and scenic landscapes that attract over three million visitors each year. As the island navigates this seismic scare, travelers are reminded of the importance of staying informed and prepared when visiting such dynamic destinations.