Seismic activity continues to shake Santorini and nearby Greek islands, raising concerns among experts that a stronger earthquake could still strike. The Santorini earthquake swarm has triggered constant tremors, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to flee the popular island destination.
Rémy Bossu, Secretary-General of the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, described the earthquake sequence as highly unusual and potentially leading to a stronger tremor. He explained that unlike typical earthquakes, in which smaller aftershocks follow a significant shock, this pattern shows increasing magnitude over time.
Fearing the worst, Greek authorities have launched emergency measures, including evacuations and rescue force preparations. The most significant tremor so far, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, struck on Wednesday evening, shaking buildings and intensifying fears.
Hundreds of more minor quakes averaging around magnitude 3.0 have occurred every few minutes, some exceeding magnitude 4.0. Scientists classify these tremors as foreshock activity, warning that the main earthquake might come.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Santorini on Friday morning to oversee emergency operations and reassure worried residents. He pledged full government support and urged people to remain cautious until the situation stabilizes.
Meanwhile, the Greek Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization warned that intense seismic activity could persist for weeks. Around 11,000 people have already fled Santorini, fearing the continuous tremors.
Authorities arranged additional flights to evacuate those seeking safety, but strong winds disrupted ferry services on Wednesday. Everyday transportation resumed on Thursday, allowing more people to leave the island.
The last major earthquake in the region occurred in 1956 when a 7.7-magnitude tremor near Amorgos triggered a tsunami that devastated Santorini. That disaster killed 53 people and injured 100, leaving lasting scars on the region. Now, as the Santorini earthquake swarm continues, uncertainty grows over whether history will repeat itself.
