Second Greek Island Declares Emergency Amid Ongoing Earthquake Swarm

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.

The Greek government has declared a state of emergency on Santorini following an uptick of seismic activity that has seen hundreds of earthquakes rattling the island. This decision comes after a significant magnitude 5.2 tremor, the strongest since tremors began on January 31, shook the region late Wednesday, according to Associated Press. As the seismic activity continues, thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated the island, seeking safety on the Greek mainland via ferry services. Government officials have mobilized multiple emergency services to assist Santorini and the surrounding areas, deploying additional personnel and specialized equipment from fire departments, police, and the military. Experts indicate that the current seismic activity is not linked to volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea; however, uncertainty remains about the potential for stronger quakes. Vassilis K. Karastathis, a seismologist at the National Observatory of Athens, emphasized that there are no signs of a decrease in activity, stating, "We are still in the middle of the road," leaving residents and authorities on high alert.