Evacuation and Precautions Mount as Santorini Shaken by Seismic Activity

Authorities are on high alert as residents and tourists evacuate Santorini following a surge of seismic activity, prompting safety precautions across the island.

In response to an alarming increase in seismic activity, approximately 6,000 residents and locals have fled Santorini since Sunday, with many using ferries to reach the mainland. In the last 48 hours alone, over 300 earthquakes, some registering up to a magnitude of 4.7, have been reported near the island. As a precautionary measure, emergency flights from Santorini have been arranged, with additional flights planned for Tuesday.

The Greek government is urging all residents to evacuate specific areas such as the Old Port of Fira, a major tourist attraction. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm amidst the escalating seismic concerns. In light of the tremors, schools have been closed for the week, and public gatherings have been discouraged, though local authorities are focusing on preventive measures rather than panic.

The local population of approximately 15,500 is used to accommodating millions of tourists, yet the current situation mainly affects residents since February is typically a quieter time in terms of tourism. Many locals, including families like Kostas Sakavaras's, have opted to leave the island as a precautionary step, despite no significant damage being reported.

On Tuesday morning, long queues formed at the port, reflecting the urgency of the situation. The evacuation effort saw around 2,500 to 2,700 passengers booked on flights to Athens on Monday and Tuesday, alongside the ferry departures. With the region's geological activity classified as a serious situation, emergency services remain on high alert, prepared for any further developments.

Seismologists attribute the recent tectonic movements to shifts in geological plates rather than volcanic activity, with the island's last major eruption occurring in the 1950s. As well as evacuating residents and advising against using swimming pools, the South Aegean Regional Fire Department has been mobilized to ensure the safety of those remaining on the island amid fears of landslides in affected areas.