State of Emergency Declared in Santorini After Series of Earthquakes
A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Santorini following consecutive earthquakes, including a 5.2 magnitude tremor recorded between Santorini and Amorgos.
The decree, effective until March 3, aims to address emergency needs and manage the situation, prompting over 11,000 people to evacuate by ferry and air. While no major damage has been reported, authorities are taking precautionary measures as seismic activity remains intense, with more than 57 tremors recorded within hours. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit the island, as additional firefighters, medical personnel, and emergency units have been deployed to support residents.
Schools remain closed across several islands, and emergency ferry routes have been set up to assist travelers amid poor weather conditions. Hospitals are on high alert with staff leave canceled, while backup telecommunications systems and search-and-rescue teams have been mobilized. The Thira Chamber of Commerce has warned of significant economic consequences, with businesses struggling as evacuations continue. Santorini, part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, sits near a tectonic plate boundary, though scientists have confirmed the recent tremors are due to tectonic movements rather than volcanic activity.
