A state of emergency has been declared in Santorini, a popular tourist destination in Greece, as an earthquake swarm continues to shake the island. Since January 31, over 800 tremors with a magnitude of three and above have been recorded, with the strongest measuring 5.2 on February 5. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared a state of emergency until March 3 and pledged €3 million for an emergency evacuation route from the south of the island. Thousands of residents, workers, and tourists have fled Santorini and nearby islands due to the tremors, with ferry companies and airlines providing additional services to accommodate departures.
While experts state that the earthquakes are not linked to Santorini’s volcano, there is concern about the potential for a more powerful earthquake to occur. The earthquake epicenters are concentrated between Santorini, Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios, and despite the underwater location mitigating some potential damage, the frequency of the quakes has raised worry among residents. Hotels have been instructed to drain swimming pools to prevent destabilization in case of a strong quake, and residents and visitors are advised to avoid certain areas. The UK’s FCDO has updated its travel advice for Santorini and neighboring islands, urging caution and adherence to local authority instructions in case of a strong tremor.
Santorini is a premier tourism destination with millions of annual visitors drawn to its stunning scenery and unique history. However, the island’s location on dramatic cliffs created by volcanic eruption raises concerns about the impact of a major earthquake on the settlements. In the event of a cancellation of a trip to Santorini, reimbursement depends on various factors including who initiates the cancellation and the reason for it. Travellers are advised to contact their travel operator or airline to determine the situation and potential compensation. Travel insurance can provide financial protection for trip delays, cancellations, or changes due to natural disasters, though certain circumstances may not be covered.
Greek seismologists have cautioned that the earthquake sequence in Santorini could indicate a larger impending event, with the risk level escalating due to the increasing number and magnitude of tremors. Authorities in Santorini have established gathering points and evacuation measures in preparation for a potential evacuation, though they stress that being prepared does not necessarily mean an event will occur. While all scenarios remain open, experts urge residents and visitors to stay calm and follow advice from local authorities. As the situation evolves, travellers should stay informed of updates and adhere to safety guidelines and recommendations to ensure their well-being during their stay in Santorini.
