Santorini Faces Earthquake Swarm, Schools Closed and Evacuations Underway

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.

Authorities declared a state of emergency on the island of Amorgos in Greece on February 12, 2025, following a series of earthquakes in the region. This decision mirrors a similar declaration for the nearby island of Santorini made on February 7, as seismic activity has intensified, with over 12,000 tremors noted since January 26, according to the University of Athens' crisis management committee. Seismologists reported that earthquakes around magnitude 5 have renewed public concerns, particularly as the epicenter of the quakes shifts northward toward Amorgos. While the region is known for its seismic activity, experts highlight the unusual frequency and intensity of these recent tremors, prompting a substantial mobilization of emergency resources, including fire departments and the coast guard. Amorgos and Santorini, popular tourist spots, face challenges as thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated. The emergency measures aim to expedite the deployment of services and resources to manage the ongoing situation, authorities confirmed.