Greece Declares State of Emergency as Santorini Faces Hundreds of Earthquakes

Lola Hassid Angel, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, spoke out about her harrowing experiences as the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen on April 15, 1945. Speaking from her home in Athens, Angel recounted the suffering she witnessed in the Nazi concentration camp, where disease and hunger claimed countless lives. “What happened there was an abomination,” she stated, recalling the conditions that contributed to the deaths of over 70,000 victims. Bergen-Belsen, liberated by British forces, was notorious for its appalling conditions that deemed it a death camp through starvation and illness. According to historical accounts, approximately 60,000 prisoners were found at the camp, with over 14,000 succumbing to illness shortly after liberation. Angel, forced into the camp from Athens in 1944, emphasized the need to remember the horror to prevent history from repeating itself. In her quest for remembrance, Angel has been actively speaking to students in Greece about the Holocaust, aiming to invoke a sense of awareness and vigilance against the resurgence of hatred and war. “My big fear is if another Hitler comes along,” she cautioned.

Authorities in Greece have declared a state of emergency on Amorgos Island as a series of earthquakes continue to affect the region. This comes just days after a similar declaration for Santorini on February 7, following thousands of unusual tremors near these popular tourist destinations. The University of Athens’ crisis management committee reports that approximately 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 1 have been detected since January 26, with recent quakes reaching magnitudes around 5. Seismologists indicated that the epicenter of the quakes is gradually shifting northward towards Amorgos, raising concerns for local residents and emergency services. A significant mobilization of resources, including police, fire departments, and coast guard, is underway, primarily focused on Santorini where many residents and seasonal workers have evacuated. Greece's geographical location makes it prone to seismic activity, but such an intense and prolonged sequence of quakes is unusual, according to experts.

The Greek island of Santorini is facing uncertainty for its upcoming tourist season due to thousands of earthquakes occurring since January. With the unofficial tourist season beginning in February and cruise ships expected to arrive, industry officials report a decline in bookings. Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, noted, "In the past two days, we have seen a drop in bookings but hope this will be short-lived." The island, which supports a permanent population of just over 15,000, experiences a significant influx of seasonal workers, especially during the peak summer months when it welcomes around 160,000 visitors daily. However, several workers are reconsidering their plans due to concerns about potential tourist withdrawals. Manos, a bartender, expressed concern over job security, stating, "If the season is weak, I might not make as much money." Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and are deploying rescue teams, while hotel owners are advocating for government assistance to maintain their workforce. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of preserving Santorini's reputation as a tourist destination and improving the island's infrastructure.