International-News

Seismic swarm in Santorini, thousands of people leave the island

Over 200 tremors in 48 hours, evacuations by ferry and plane. Experts: ‘Risk of strong earthquakes unlikely’

Around 6,000 people have left Santorini in the past 48 hours due to the intense seismic activity that has hit the island and neighbouring Amorgos, with over 200 tremors recorded. According to the Greek coast guard, 4,640 people have left by sea on four ferries, while two more connections are expected today to Piraeus.

Air traffic also increased: Aegean Airlines organised extra flights, carrying 1,294 passengers from Santorini to Athens yesterday, with another 1,400 seats available for today.

The Athens Observatory reported new tremors: one of magnitude 4.9 in the Aegean Sea 31 km from Santorini and another of 4.7, three hours later, 19 km from Amorgos. Although seismic activity is increasing, experts currently rule out the risk of a devastating earthquake. Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Protection Organisation, reassured the population: “There should be no panic”.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged the island’s 15,500 residents to remain calm, while schools will remain closed until Friday as a precaution.

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