Emergency crews were deployed on the Greek island of Santorini on Monday and schools closed following a surge in seismic activity—a “quake swarm”—that raised concerns a potentially powerful earthquake could follow.
Authorities also implemented precautions on several nearby islands in the Aegean Sea after recording more than 200 undersea earthquakes in the region over the past three days. Many of the tremors exceeded magnitude 4.5.
A quake swarm, or earthquake swarm, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), is a series of “relatively many earthquakes within a relatively small area, which just don’t fit the pattern of a mainshock-aftershock sequence.”
Why It Matters
Santorini, a major tourism hub, receives more than 3 million visitors annually, according to The Associated Press. Its striking whitewashed villages sit atop dramatic cliffs shaped by a massive volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago. A significant earthquake in the area could not only pose a direct threat to residents but also have severe economic implications for Greece’s tourism sector.
Greek authorities have advised residents and visitors to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas where rock slides could occur. Hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce potential structural damage. Schools were also ordered to shut on the islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios.
While experts have indicated the quakes are not linked to Santorini’s volcano, they acknowledge that the pattern of seismic activity is concerning. The frequency of the tremors, continuing through Sunday night and into Monday, has unsettled residents.
What To Know
Government officials have been consulting with scientists since the first surge in seismic activity over the weekend. Fire service rescuers arrived in Santorini on Sunday, setting up a staging area inside a basketball court next to the island’s main hospital.
“We arrived last night, a 26-member team of rescuers and one rescue dog,” fire brigadier Ioannis Billias told The Associated Press. Many residents spent the night in their cars as aftershocks continued.
Some residents and seasonal workers sought to leave the island, purchasing ferry and plane tickets to nearby destinations.
Petros Giannakouris/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Nadia Benomar, a Moroccan tour guide who has lived on the island for 19 years, said: “We’ve had earthquakes before but never anything like this. This feels different.” She booked a ferry ticket to Naxos on Monday. “I need to get away for a few days until things calm down.”
Michalis Gerontakis, director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “I have never felt anything like this and with such frequency—an earthquake every 10 or 20 minutes. Everyone is anxious even if some of us hide it not to cause panic.”
Despite the earthquakes, the orchestra still performed for a religious occasion on Sunday. “When you are playing, you cannot feel the quakes but there were earthquakes when we were at the church,” Gerontakis said. “No one knows what will happen.”
Petros Giannakouris/AP Photo
While many are choosing to leave, others have decided to remain.
Yiannis Fragiadakis, a restaurant worker who had been away but returned to Santorini on Sunday despite the tremors, said: “I wasn’t afraid. I know that people are really worried and are leaving, and when I got to the port it was really busy, it was like the summer. I plan to stay and hopefully the restaurant will start working for the holiday season in three weeks.”
Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said Sunday after an emergency government meeting in Athens: “These measures are precautionary, and authorities will remain vigilant. We urge citizens to strictly adhere to safety recommendations to minimize risk.”
What’s Next
Greek seismologists continue to monitor the situation, warning that the seismic activity could indicate a larger earthquake on the horizon. Prominent seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos noted that the cluster of quakes between Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi suggested an escalation in risk.
Local authorities in Fira, Santorini’s main town, have designated emergency gathering points should an evacuation become necessary.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
