In brief
Authorities are taking precautionary steps after a significant quake forces evacuation, while schools remain closed and resources are mobilized for disaster response.
A strong earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck between the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini on Wednesday evening at 21:09 local time (19:09 GMT). This major tremor followed a series of smaller earthquakes that had rattled the region for several days, leading to the evacuation of over 11,000 residents and tourists from the island. Approximately 7,000 individuals left via ferry, while around 4,000 departed by air. The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of around 5 km, but there have been no immediate reports of significant damage on Santorini. Authorities are, however, remaining vigilant and have taken proactive measures to ensure safety across the region. With tourism significantly reduced as we enter low season, many of those fleeing are local residents rather than tourists.In response to the unfolding events, schools on Santorini and neighboring islands, including Anafi, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, are set to remain closed until Friday. At that time, officials will assess the situation to determine when they can safely reopen. Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's climate and civil protection minister, outlined the government’s response, detailing that specialized firefighter units geared for natural disaster response are being dispatched to the island. Rescue teams equipped with search dogs and mobile operations centers are now on the ground, with helicopters on standby for any critical support needed. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed confidence in the scientific assessment of the situation during a briefing with civil protection experts. "We trust science and scientists. All plans have been implemented," he affirmed, emphasizing the readiness of resources to address any potential crises. Mitsotakis encouraged residents to remain calm and coordinate with authorities as they monitor developments.Geologically, Santorini lies within the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, an area formed by volcanic activity, although the most significant eruption occurred in the 1950s. Greek officials have clarified that the recent tremors are attributable to tectonic plate shifts rather than volcanic actions, although such natural phenomena are difficult to predict accurately. With earthquake activity common where tectonic plates converge, authorities maintain a cautious stance while prioritizing the well-being of the population as the situation evolves.
