Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic tourist destinations, is experiencing intense seismic activity, with hundreds of tremors rattling the island over the past few days.
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck east of the island on Tuesday, following a series of smaller tremors that have shaken the region.
As fears of a larger quake grow, thousands of residents and tourists have fled, seeking safety on the mainland.
Santorini on edge: growing seismic threat
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Tuesday’s 5.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded at a depth of 6.2 miles, following an earlier 4.7-magnitude tremor off Santorini’s coast.
In total, more than 550 small tremors—ranging from magnitudes of 3.0 to 4.9—have been recorded between Santorini and the nearby islands of Amorgos and Ios in the past three days.
Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) has warned that the seismic activity could continue for days or even weeks, raising concerns about further damage or a stronger quake.
Although no injuries have been reported, authorities have urged residents to take precautions.
Mass exodus: residents and tourists flee
With uncertainty looming, more than 6,000 people have left the island in recent days, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT.
Images from Santorini’s port show long lines of people carrying luggage, waiting to board ferries to Athens and Piraeus.
The Greek government has also arranged additional flights, with 15 departures scheduled to help residents evacuate.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm, acknowledging the “very intense geological phenomenon” unfolding on Santorini.
Schools will remain closed until at least Friday, and officials have advised people to avoid large indoor gatherings as a safety measure.
Santorini, often called Greece’s “Instagram Island,” is famous for its whitewashed buildings and breathtaking caldera, a volcanic crater created by one of the largest known eruptions around 3,600 years ago.
While tremors are common in the region due to its location along the African and Eurasian tectonic plate boundary, such persistent seismic activity is rare.
The island’s last major earthquake, a devastating 7.5-magnitude event in 1956, killed at least 53 people and injured over 100.
While experts have not predicted a quake of that scale, the ongoing tremors are a reminder of the island’s volatile geological past.
As scientists monitor the evolving situation, the priority remains ensuring public safety.
Authorities continue to assess structural risks, while geologists analyze whether the tremors indicate a larger quake or volcanic activity.
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