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Thousands are evacuating the Greek island of Santorini due to intense seismic activity. Local reports indicate that around 6,000 individuals have departed via ferry since Sunday, and emergency flights are set for Tuesday. Over the past 48 hours, more than 300 earthquakes have been detected near the island, with some experts suggesting the tremors could persist for weeks. Schools have been shut down for the week, and warnings have been issued against large gatherings indoors, though Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is calling for calmness among residents and visitors.
Santorini is a popular tourist destination known for its whitewashed buildings, but most of those leaving are locals, as February is outside the peak tourist season.
Several tremors, measuring up to magnitude 4.7, were recorded north-east of Santorini early on Tuesday. Though no major damage has been reported so far, emergency measures are being taken as a precaution.
In addition to 6,000 people who have left the island by ferry since Sunday, around 2,500 to 2,700 passengers will have flown from Santorini to Athens via plane on Monday and Tuesday, according to Aegean Airlines. The carrier said it had added three emergency flights to its schedule following a request from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Santorini is a small island with a population of just 15,500. It welcomes millions of tourists each year.
Schools are scheduled to stay closed on the island until Friday. Authorities have also warned people to avoid certain areas of the island and empty their swimming pools.
Santorini's Mayor, Nikos Zorzos, said the island was prepared for seismic activity that "may last many weeks". The island must approach the situation "with patience and calm", he said on Tuesday. He added that plans were in place to build shelters and provide food for the population should larger tremors emerge.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis said on Monday that Greece was working to manage "a very intense geological phenomenon".
Seismologists consider the recent tremors to be minor, but preventive measures have been put in place in case a larger quake occurs.
