It probably won’t shock you to learn that Santorini is Greece’s most popular island, famous for the classic white-washed buildings, cobalt blue domes and bunches of bright pink bougainvillea which populate its dramatic, volcanic cliffside.
It welcomes around 3 million visitors per year, but over the last three days around 200 tremors have been registered by seismologists, the strongest of which has been a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale.
While measures being taken on the island are precautionary, this is understandably worrying news if you have a trip booked to Santorini, so here is everything you need to know.
Where are the earthquake tremors in Greece?
More than 200 undersea tremors have been registered northeast of the Greek island of Santorini over the last three days, many at a magnitude of at least 4, and the largest at 4.9, according to the BBC.
The island sits on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc – a chain of islands created by the area’s tectonic plates – and locals say that tremors have been felt as frequently as every 10 to 20 seconds.
Is it safe to travel to Santorini?
If you’re headed to Santorini, there are some local precautions currently in place that you should bear in mind. Residents and visitors have been warned to avoid large indoor gatherings where rock slides occur, and lots of hotels have been instructed to drain their pools to reduce potential quake damage.
Aegean Airlines has added extra flights from the island to Athens today and tomorrow (February 3 and 4) as demand to leave the island has increased, and schools on the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi and Ios have been ordered to close until tomorrow at the earliest.
In Fira, Santorini’s main town, local authorities have set up gathering points for residents though no evacuation orders are in place right now. However, it’s been agreed by seismologists that these quakes could be an indicator of an impending seismic event.
‘These measures are precautionary, and authorities will remain vigilant,’ Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said, according to the Independent, ‘We urge citizens to strictly adhere to safety recommendations to minimize risk.’
What’s the UK Foreign Office saying?
The FCDO’s safety and security page reads: ‘The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has issued advice for Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, following increased seismic activity in the area. Schools will remain closed on Monday 3 February 2025. People are advised not to attend large indoors gatherings and to avoid old or abandoned buildings. The Greek Ministry advises people to avoid the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira and to choose safe routes when travelling, particularly in areas where the landslide risk is high. In case of a strong tremor, people should immediately depart coastal areas.’
It also states that you should follow local travel advice and contact the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection for more info on what to do during an earthquake.
When was the last earthquake in Santorini?
Minor earthquakes are common in Santorini, but the last major one took place back in 1956 when 53 people died, 100 were injured, 529 houses were destroyed and more than 3,000 were damaged – it registered at 7.7 on the Richter scale.
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