In brief
Multiple earthquakes have been recorded in Santorini, raising concerns for residents and tourists alike as more than 11,000 individuals leave the island amidst the uncertainty.
Many tremors have struck waters around the popular tourist destination of Santorini, hours after officials proclaimed a state of emergency due to the escalating seismic activity. Since the previous Friday, thousands of minor earthquakes have been registered, prompting warnings from experts about an uncertain period of "seismic crisis." On Thursday evening, residents felt a 4.6 magnitude quake at 20:16 local time (18:00 GMT), occurring in the sea between Santorini and the neighboring island of Amorgos, followed by a 4.2 magnitude aftershock a couple of hours later. Most of the island's population, which exceeds 11,000, has vacated the region as seismic activity occurs in rapid succession. While the recent tremors have not equated to the intensity of the previous day's 5.2 magnitude quake—the strongest recorded thus far in the sector—local authorities remain vigilant as they prepare for the potential of more damaging quakes. Seismologists clarify that earthquakes are measured by their magnitude, with anything above 6.0 deemed severe, whereas the 5.2 incident is classified as moderate. As Santorini grapples with this natural crisis, the fate and safety of its remaining inhabitants and visiting tourists hang in the balance, with no clear end to the seismic unrest in sight.
