A state of emergency has been declared on the iconic island of Santorini after days of relentless tremors culminated in a magnitude 5.2 earthquake on Wednesday evening, the strongest recorded since the seismic activity began last week, CNN reports.
The near-constant shaking has triggered a mass exodus, emptying the normally bustling tourist destination.
The Greek Civil Protection Ministry announced the emergency declaration on Thursday, effective until March 3, to facilitate the response to the ongoing seismic activity.
An estimated 11,000 people, a significant portion of the island’s 20,000 permanent residents and a considerable number of tourists, are believed to have fled Santorini seeking safety on the mainland. Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets and volcanic caldera, typically attracts over 3.4 million visitors annually.
Greek authorities have responded to the crisis by organizing additional flights to aid in the evacuation. However, high winds on Wednesday hampered efforts, forcing the temporary suspension of ferry services. Normal ferry operations have since resumed as of Thursday.
Located near the volatile boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, Santorini is accustomed to seismic activity. However, the current intensity and duration of the tremors are unusual. Neighboring islands, including Amorgos and Ios, have also experienced the effects of the earthquake swarm.
While no major damage has been reported thus far, Greek authorities are proceeding with caution, preparing for the potential of a more powerful earthquake.
The unique landscape of Santorini, famed for its dramatic caldera, is a direct result of past geological events, most notably a colossal volcanic eruption around 1600 BC.
The recent swarm has been characterized by hundreds of “slight” tremors around magnitude 3.0 occurring every few minutes. Wednesday’s magnitude 5.2 quake is classified as “moderate,” and was followed by at least five “light” quakes measuring magnitude 4.0 or higher.
The last major earthquake to impact Santorini was a devastating magnitude 7.5 event in 1956, resulting in at least 53 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
