Greece Earthquake series: Cautious normality on Santorini
Although the Greek vacation island of Santorini is still shaking, more and more residents who had left the island for safety reasons are returning.
09.03.2025, 06:05
SDA
The intensity of the earthquake swarm, which has been going on for almost two months, has lessened. Although it still shakes several times an hour in some places, these are now weak tremors that can hardly be felt, as the data from the Athens Geodynamic Institute shows.
Schools on the island are now open again. Seismologist Kostas Papazachos told ERTNews that the series of earthquakes had lessened in strength and sequence to such an extent that it made no sense to keep the schools closed. Pupils know how to behave in the event of an earthquake - as is the case throughout Greece.
However, Papazachos and his colleagues are not giving the all-clear. Both another stronger earthquake swarm and a subsiding of the phenomenon are possible. The quakes could continue for months. A large main quake, which often brings relief to a seismically active region, has not yet occurred on Santorini - the experts do not rule out this development either.
Tourism season at risk
Accordingly, the people of Santorini continue to worry about this year's tourist season. According to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the major international cruise operators have not yet decided whether Santorini will be included in this year's program again or not. The first ships of the season had already avoided the island in February due to the earthquakes and instead headed for other destinations such as the island of Crete.
The Santorini Hotel Association is talking about a decline in reservations, with some Greek media reporting a third fewer bookings compared to February 2024. The German Foreign Office continues to warn in its travel and safety advice that non-essential travel to Santorini and the nearby islets of Amorgos, Anafi and Ios is not recommended.
