State of Emergency Declared on Greece’s Santorini Island Amid Ongoing Earthquake Activity

Over 6,000 Earthquakes Recorded in the Last Two Weeks on Popular Tourist Island

Santorini, Greece, known for its breathtaking landscapes and global tourism appeal, is currently experiencing a series of seismic activities that have prompted the Greek government to declare a state of emergency. This decision was made on February 6, 2025, after an unusual and continuous series of earthquakes struck the island over the past two weeks. The state of emergency, effective until March 1, 2025, has been put in place as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.

Since the end of January, Santorini has been rocked by daily earthquakes, with a significant increase in tremors over the last few days. On the night of February 5, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit the island, the strongest recorded in the ongoing series. This was the first time that an earthquake exceeded a magnitude of 5.0, raising concerns about the potential for landslides and rockfalls, particularly in the island's steep and volcanic terrain. The tremor prompted the Greek government to act swiftly by declaring the state of emergency to manage the escalating risks.

As of February 6, seismic activity has continued, with multiple aftershocks measuring 4.0 or higher. Experts have reported that the situation remains highly unusual, with no clear indication of when the seismic activity will subside. The Greek authorities are on high alert, mobilizing all available resources to prepare for any further developments.

According to Dr. Athanasios Ganas, the head of the Athens Geodynamic Institute, the strength of the earthquakes has been gradually decreasing, but the region is still far from stable. His comments were echoed by Dr. Vasilis Katastatis, the institute's deputy director, who indicated that the seismic events are only about halfway through, implying that the island could continue to experience tremors for an extended period.

The ongoing seismic activity has had a profound impact on the region, with over 6,000 earthquakes recorded since January 26. These tremors have affected not only Santorini but also the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios, with tremors felt throughout the surrounding seas. In response to the ongoing crisis, the Greek government has deployed a national emergency response system to handle the situation, prioritizing the safety of both the island’s residents and the thousands of tourists who flock to Santorini each year.

The earthquake series has caused a significant disruption to the island's tourism industry. Santorini, which typically hosts around 3.4 million visitors annually, has seen a drastic reduction in tourism activity. More than 11,000 of the island’s 16,000 residents have evacuated, traveling by ferry and plane to escape the ongoing risks. The government is providing additional transportation options to assist with evacuations, although temporary disruptions, including delays caused by bad weather affecting ferry services, have created further challenges.

Santorini's geological location on the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it a region prone to seismic activity. While earthquakes are not uncommon, the current situation is exceptional due to the prolonged duration and frequency of the tremors. The most significant earthquake in the island’s history occurred in 1956, when a 7.5 magnitude earthquake led to 53 fatalities and more than 100 injuries.

The Greek government continues to closely monitor the situation, offering support and resources to ensure the safety of everyone on the island. With aftershocks ongoing and the potential for further tremors, residents and tourists are urged to remain vigilant as authorities work to manage the situation.