Greek seismologists are closely monitoring an unusual sequence of earthquakes in the marine area of Anydros, a small island between Santorini and Amorgos, as more than 9,000 residents and tourists have evacuated Santorini.
The area experienced 30 earthquakes between 7:00 and 13:00 alone, with experts describing the activity as rare in seismological terms. While scientists emphasise the seismic activity is not connected to Santorini’s volcano, they warn that no main shock has yet been identified.
🌋 Βρυχάται η γη κάτω από την Σαντορίνη έχουνε ξεκινήσει από τις πρωινές ώρες κατολισθήσεις στην Καλντέρα pic.twitter.com/d47Alroqp1
— Forecast Weather Greece (@ForecastGreece) February 3, 2025
Dr Vassilis Karastathis, Research Director at the Geodynamic Institute, told LIFO that having multiple earthquakes above magnitude 4 within 24 hours is “extremely rare in seismology”. The seismic activity shows no signs of abating, according to scientific observations.
Professor Costas Papazachos, head of the Santorini Volcano Monitoring Institute, warned that whilst the region’s fault lines could potentially host stronger earthquakes, there is “no scientific methodology to determine if a sequence is foreshock activity”. He added there is a significant probability the activity could either gradually diminish or result in a stronger, though not severely damaging, main shock.
Local authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including closing schools until February 7 in Santorini, Anafi, Ios and Amorgos. Residents have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings and stay away from abandoned buildings.
(Pictures by EPA/Christos Yantsis)
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