Santorini is experiencing a swarm of mild earthquakes. Authorities say the earthquakes are not associated with volcanic activity. But there is the possibility that these are foreshocks of a larger earthquake. The same location of the swarm is where a 1956, 7.7 earthquake, caused a 20-meter-high tsunami.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11528 posts
No experts can predict when earthquakes will come - could be a year or 70 years lol ( and that would be considered imminent lol )
Posted by
TN, USA
2188 posts
Here is one of several very recent articles:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2eg12jn730o
Enough concern to close schools and advise no large indoor gatherings.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
317 posts
There have been 16 earthquakes measuring between 4.0 to 5.1 within the past 24 hours. All are at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Posted by
France Southwest
2631 posts
Even though it is not the fault that caused the great earthquake of 1956, some residents, although accustomed to earthquakes, preferred to leave the island. Hence the traffic jams to get to the port.
Photos & article (in Greek):
Posted by
TN, USA
2188 posts
Today's CNN update.....island is emptying, as serious concern continues.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/travel/santorini-greece-earthquake-evacuation-intl/index.html
Posted by
France Southwest
2631 posts
Just to clarify that earthquakes do not only affect the very touristy island of Santorini but also the other Cyclades islands.
The earthquake epicenter being located between Santorini and Amorgos.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12257 posts
Fortunate this is not happening mid-summer when evacuating would be a much larger challenge.
Posted by
Chicago
1337 posts
US Embassy alert posted yesterday: (Mirrors the alerts issued by Greek officials.)
https://gr.usembassy.gov/alert-natural-disaster-alert-u-s-mission-greece/
Posted by
2 posts
In Greece the TV is talking about many earthquakes back to back. Hope everyone is safe!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8896 posts
A state of emergency has now been declared in Santorini with extra emergency services sent to the island. The Greek armed forces are expected to be deployed to assist with logistics. Evacuation by sea is being hampered by poor weather.
Posted by
France Southwest
2631 posts
The state of emergency allows the implementation of specific administrative measures (resource requisitions, travel restrictions, evacuations), but to date no scenario is favored by experts.
The tronger jolt (5.2) was in the south Amorgos island, not in Santorini.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
317 posts
The earthquake swarm appears to be subsiding. Schools have reopened, but "enhanced safety measures introduced during the earthquake swarm will remain in place." https://greekreporter.com/2025/03/05/santorini-will-be-open-visitors-minister-says-schools-island-reopen-after-earthquakes/
I also read that March reservations are down 23% from last year.
I altered this thread's title to reflect the change in the earthquake swarm.