In Athens on February 5, hundreds more individuals were expected to evacuate Santorini Island as tremors continued for a sixth consecutive day in this popular summer tourist destination.
In recent days, about 10,000 people have departed the island via ferries and planes as hundreds of small earthquakes were recorded in the surrounding sea. These quakes have caused buildings to shake, stirred up dust on the island's rocky cliffs, and raised concerns about the possibility of a major earthquake.
During the summer, Santorini's population swells due to the influx of millions of tourists who flock to the traditional white-painted villas that sprawl along its steep hillsides. With a permanent population of 15,000 according to the 2021 census, it is presumed that a few thousand individuals remain on the island during the off-season.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have implemented safety protocols, such as halting construction activities, closing schools on Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, and instructing residents and hotels to empty their pools to lessen the load on the ground.
Government officials and seismologists convened on Wednesday to evaluate the situation and underscored the heightened risk of landslides, particularly near the island's primary port of Athinios, which caters to around 1.5 million passengers annually.
Certain high-risk areas have been restricted, and emergency response teams, vessels, and a helicopter are on standby in case of emergencies.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated on Wednesday, The entire state apparatus has been mobilized...to be prepared for any eventuality with the expectation that conditions will improve and the activity will diminish.
Due to rough seas, two ferry routes between the port of Piraeus and Santorini were canceled on Wednesday, but no disruptions were anticipated for six Aegean Airlines flights, including two emergency flights, scheduled for the same day.
Seismologists anticipate that the heightened seismic activity may persist for days or even weeks. However, locals and officials indicated that the tremors had decreased by Wednesday.
Nikos Sakorafos, a travel agency owner in Fira, remarked, There hasn't been much shaking today; I haven't felt anything since 0400 (0200GMT).
He added, This is the low season for the island, most people are not working, so it's easier for them to depart.
Greece, situated at the junction of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, is among Europe's most earthquake-prone regions, leading to frequent seismic events.
Santorini acquired its current form following a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC. The most recent eruption in the region occurred in 1950.