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Santorini Hit by Thousands of Earthquakes as Scientists Monitor Uncertainty

Seismic swarms in the Aegean Sea have led to a state of emergency on Santorini and nearby islands, with experts warning of potential prolonged activity.

A view of the island of Santorini (back) as seen from the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, Greece, February 10, 2025. REUTERS/Max Gyselinck/File Photo
Fire service rescuers arrive at the airport of the earthquake-hit island of Santorini, Greece, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A regularly scheduled ferry departs from Santorini to Athens' port of Piraeus, after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake in Santorini, southern Greece, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
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Overview

  • Santorini and surrounding islands have experienced over 12,800 earthquakes since late January, including a recent 5.3 magnitude tremor.
  • A state of emergency has been declared, prompting thousands of residents to leave and schools to remain closed for a third week.
  • Experts attribute the activity to tectonic and magmatic processes rather than volcanic eruption, though magma movement influences the tremors.
  • The Greek government is constructing an evacuation port on Santorini to prepare for potential larger quakes and facilitate emergency responses.
  • Seismologists caution that the seismic swarms could persist for months, with no reliable way to predict their progression or potential escalation.