Santorini Hit by 7,700 Quakes, Volcano Stirring

Santorini, Greece’s famous ‘Instagram Island’, is currently in turmoil due to continuous earthquakes. Over the past two weeks, the island has experienced more than 7,700 tremors, with several measuring close to 5.0 on the Richter scale. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in response to the ongoing seismic activity.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

All tourists have been evacuated, and many locals have also been relocated to safer areas. The volcanic activity on the island has also shown signs of disturbance due to the quakes, raising concerns about potential eruptions. The situation has reminded many of the devastating 1956 earthquake that struck Santorini.

The tremors began on January 26 and have persisted, with February 4 witnessing the highest number—1,300 quakes in a single day. The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the island to assess the situation, urging citizens to remain calm while the government closely monitors developments.

Volcanic Activity Under Observation

Satellite radar data analyzed by Professor Michalis Foumelis of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, indicates unusual movement in Santorini’s volcano. While the activity is still minimal, experts are monitoring the situation closely.

As a precaution, 15,000 people—mostly women and children—have been safely evacuated. The government is now preparing for both continued seismic activity and the potential risk of volcanic eruptions.