By Damilola Abiola
A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Santorini following a series of earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.2 tremor recorded on Wednesday night. The decree, in place until March 3, aims to address emergency needs and manage the consequences of the seismic activity.
More than 11,000 people have already left the island, with thousands departing by ferry and air. Authorities remain on high alert, as seismic activity has not shown signs of slowing down.
Vasilis Karastathis, director of the Geodynamic Institute, described the situation as “intense.” Speaking to Greek state broadcaster ERT News, he said, “We have a fairly high number of earthquakes with magnitudes above 4. We are still in the middle of the road. We have not seen any thinning, any sign that it is heading towards retreat.”
The government has mobilized emergency response units, including firefighters trained in natural disasters, medical personnel, and military support. Vassilis Kikilias, the climate and civil protection minister, assured residents that “special teams, rescue dogs, and a mobile operations center have been deployed, with helicopters on standby.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Santorini on Friday. He urged residents to remain calm, stating, “All plans have been implemented. Forces have been moved to Santorini and the other islands, so that we are ready for any eventuality.”
With schools closed, emergency ferry routes operating, and makeshift tsunami defenses built along Monolithos beach, Santorini remains on edge as authorities monitor the ongoing seismic activity.