A huge increase in seismic activity has caused chaos on Greece’s most popular holiday island, with tourists issued with safety warnings.
A spike in seismic activity on Santorini has spooked many on the island with concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.
Residents and visitors were advised to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas where rock slides could occur, while hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce potential building damage from an earthquake.
Precautions were also ordered on several nearby Aegean Sea islands — all popular summer vacation destinations — after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded in the area over the past three days.
Earthquakes were still being felt on Monday morning.
Greek Aegean Airlines has added extra Santorini to Athens flights on Monday and Tuesday, reports suggest it is due to a rise in the number of people wanting to leave the island.
Video filmed by local media showed packed ferries leaving the island on Monday morning, with reports tourists are leaving the island.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) published guidance from the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection affecting both Santorini and the island of Amorgos.
The warning read: “The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has issued advice for Santorini (Thira) and Amorgos, following increased seismic activity in the area. Schools will remain closed on Monday 3 February 2025, and people are advised not to attend large indoors gatherings and to avoid the ports of Amoudi and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira.”
While Greek experts say the quakes, measuring up to magnitude 4.8, are not linked to Santorini‘s volcano, they acknowledge that the pattern of seismic activity is cause for concern.
“These measures are precautionary, and authorities will remain vigilant,” Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said late Sunday following an emergency government meeting in Athens. “We urge citizens to strictly adhere to safety recommendations to minimize risk.”
The frequency of the quakes, which continued throughout Sunday…
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