Santorini on Edge: Hundreds of Earthquakes Trigger Panic and Mass Evacuation
Since February 1, 2025, the Greek island of Santorini has been shaken by more than 550 earthquakes, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.1 on the Richter scale. These tremors, primarily recorded between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, have prompted immediate action from local authorities and resulted in the mass evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists.
Schools in Santorini and other nearby islands, such as Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, have closed their doors, and evacuation points have been established in Fira. Authorities have restricted access to coastal areas and certain ports due to the risk of landslides and tsunamis. Residents have also been advised to avoid indoor gatherings and to empty hotel pools.
Fortunately, no casualties or significant structural damages have been reported so far, although some older buildings have sustained minor cracks. However, uncertainty about the situation’s development has generated substantial fear among residents and tourists alike.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm and has chaired an emergency meeting with the Ministry of Civil Protection to address the situation. Seismologists and volcanologists are closely monitoring the seismic activity, though there are no indications that these earthquakes are directly related to a potential volcanic eruption.
The scientific community is divided on the future of these tremors: some believe they might cease suddenly, while others warn they could continue for weeks or even months. Despite the uncertainty, Greek authorities are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of both the population and visitors.
