In a troubling scenario, Santorini has seen over 13,000 residents evacuate due to relentless seismic activity, leaving the popular tourist destination into a near ghost town.
"Mass Exodus from Santorini: Earthquake Strikes Leave Island Vulnerable"
"Mass Exodus from Santorini: Earthquake Strikes Leave Island Vulnerable"
Emergency Evacuations Loom as Thousands Flee Earthquake-Stricken Santorini, Greece
February 10, 2025, has marked a turning point for Santorini, a famed Greek island usually bustling with tourists. As tremors continued to rattle the area, the island experienced a significant decline in its population, with over 13,000 of the 15,500 residents fleeing in recent weeks. This sudden exodus followed a surge of earthquakes, with the most intense reaching a magnitude of 5.2 and occurring frequently since January 25.
The earthquakes not only unnerved locals but also altered the landscape of Santorini; streets now echo with the absence of residents, the majority of whom are either seeking safety elsewhere or are too frightened to venture out. Tourists on the island are primarily from Asia, as others have chosen to postpone their trips.
According to the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens, the seismic activity in the region has drastically increased, with over 160 tremors exceeding magnitude 4 reported already in February, compared to 90 for the total of last year. Experts note that while some signs of stabilization are visible, the situation remains unpredictable, with the possibility of stronger quakes still looming.
Authorities have responded proactively, enacting measures such as closing schools and restricting large gatherings. Emergency workers have been stationed on the island, and preparations for potential evacuations are in place. Affected areas are under heightened surveillance due to the threat of landslides, while psychological support is being provided to anxious residents, and priests are conducting prayers in search of relief from the earthquake saga.
The fate of Santorini hangs in the balance as both residents and experts await a clearer picture of the geological events unfolding beneath their feet.
The earthquakes not only unnerved locals but also altered the landscape of Santorini; streets now echo with the absence of residents, the majority of whom are either seeking safety elsewhere or are too frightened to venture out. Tourists on the island are primarily from Asia, as others have chosen to postpone their trips.
According to the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens, the seismic activity in the region has drastically increased, with over 160 tremors exceeding magnitude 4 reported already in February, compared to 90 for the total of last year. Experts note that while some signs of stabilization are visible, the situation remains unpredictable, with the possibility of stronger quakes still looming.
Authorities have responded proactively, enacting measures such as closing schools and restricting large gatherings. Emergency workers have been stationed on the island, and preparations for potential evacuations are in place. Affected areas are under heightened surveillance due to the threat of landslides, while psychological support is being provided to anxious residents, and priests are conducting prayers in search of relief from the earthquake saga.
The fate of Santorini hangs in the balance as both residents and experts await a clearer picture of the geological events unfolding beneath their feet.
