Hit by strong earthquakes: State of emergency declared

Santorini, Greece, has been experiencing an unusual surge in seismic activity.

Santorini continues to be rocked by frequent earthquakes, with a state of emergency in place as tremors persist and evacuations of residents and tourists are ongoing. Photo: Maggie Meng, Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Over 7,700 tremors have been recorded in just one week, including a powerful 5.2 magnitude earthquake on February 5, 2025.

This has prompted the Greek government to declare a state of emergency on February 6, 2025, effective until March 3, 2025.

–Never seen anything like this before

According to experts, Santorini is currently experiencing what Greece's prime minister has described as an «extremely intricate geological phenomenon.» Dr. Athanassios Ganas, research director at the National Observatory of Athens, commented that this event is unprecedented, stating to BBC that they have never seen something like this before in [modern times] in Greece.

Santorini is located on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a chain of islands formed by volcanic activity. However, the island has not had a major eruption in recent times, with the last significant eruption occurring in the 1950s. The cause of the current seismic activity remains unclear.

Recent developments

Tremor Magnitude: A 5.2 magnitude earthquake on February 5, 2025.
Evacuations: About 15,000 people, mostly women and children, have been evacuated.
Seismic Activity: Experts have raised concerns over the unusual frequency of tremors, though volcanic eruption is not expected.

The island's tourism has been significantly affected, with many visitors leaving as a precaution. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

Are earthquakes common in Santorini?

While Santorini is located in a seismically active region, frequent and intense tremors are not typical. The island's earthquakes are usually less frequent, and the recent surge has raised concerns about the potential for larger seismic events. Geologists are closely monitoring the situation, though there is no immediate volcanic threat at this time.

Key facts about Santorini:

Location: Located in the southern Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades group of islands.
Famous For: Dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, sunsets, and volcanic history.
Population: Approximately 15,000 residents (varies seasonally with tourism).
Tourism: One of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually.