Santorini Faces Escalating Earthquake Crisis as Residents Evacuate

Over 200 quakes in 48 hours raise fears of a major seismic event, prompting mass departures and emergency measures on the Greek island.

Since January 24, Santorini has experienced an ongoing series of earthquakes, with over 200 tremors recorded in the past 48 hours, ranging in magnitude from 3.0 to 5.1.
Thousands of residents have fled the island, with ferries and flights to the mainland fully booked, while many remaining locals spent nights in cars or outdoors.
Authorities have closed schools, banned large gatherings in enclosed spaces, and urged residents to avoid coastal areas due to potential risks of tsunamis and landslides.
Seismologists warn that the increasing intensity of the tremors suggests a larger earthquake could occur, though the exact likelihood remains uncertain.
Despite fears of volcanic activity, experts have ruled out a direct connection between the quakes and the island's volcano, attributing the seismic activity to tectonic plate shifts.