Santorini Sees Mass Evacuations as Hundreds of Earthquakes Strike
Over 7,000 residents and tourists have fled the Greek island following an unprecedented surge in seismic activity, with scientists warning it could persist for weeks.
- Santorini has experienced over 750 earthquakes since late January, with more than 180 recorded daily in the past three days, including dozens above magnitude 4.
- Authorities have facilitated evacuations with additional ferry and flight services, moving over 7,000 people to safety in Athens and other locations.
- The seismic activity, attributed to tectonic rather than volcanic causes, has led to precautionary school closures on Santorini, Amorgos, and nearby islands until at least Friday.
- Greek officials and scientists have reassured residents that a major earthquake exceeding magnitude 6 is unlikely, urging calm and emphasizing preventive measures.
- The phenomenon has drawn significant scientific interest, as it is described as unprecedented in the region since seismic monitoring began in 1964.