Greek EMAK rescue team deployed to Santorini as seismic activity intensifies
In response to ongoing intense seismic activity, Greek authorities have deployed the EMAK emergency rescue team to Santorini, setting up temporary shelters near the indoor stadium. From February 1 to 3, 2025, more than 200 earthquakes have been recorded between Santorini and Amorgos, with the strongest reaching M4.8 on February 3. Schools on Santorini and nearby islands have been closed, and residents have been advised to avoid vulnerable structures and mass gatherings.
Seismic swarm in the Dodecanese Islands, Greece, on February 3, 2025. Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Seismic activity near Santorini volcano in Greece has increased over the past two days, with over 200 earthquakes reaching M4.8 registered from February 1 to 3.
In response, the Greek EMAK emergency rescue team has been deployed to the island, setting up tents outside the indoor stadium for temporary shelter. Medical personnel and rescue teams with earthquake response expertise are also on standby.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held an emergency meeting in Athens on February 2 to assess ongoing seismic activity near Santorini. Experts confirmed that the earthquakes are tectonic in nature and caused by movements along the Amorgos Fault, ruling out volcanic activity as a contributing factor.
As a precaution, authorities have closed schools in Santorini, Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos on February 3. Residents have been advised to avoid structurally weak buildings, large indoor gatherings, and high-risk areas such as ports and steep slopes. They have also been urged to drain swimming pools to minimize potential structural damage from water movement.
Professor Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Hellenic Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection (OASP), inspected Santorini on February 2 and identified five high-risk areas for landslides: Athinios, Old Port (Palaia Limani), Ammoudi, Armeni, and Korfos. Authorities are closely monitoring these locations and implementing preventive measures.
Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, said that all measures are strictly precautionary. “Since a specialized committee and designated scientists are handling this issue, I strongly urge everyone to rely on accurate and verified information from these professionals,” Kikilias stated.
The National Observatory of Athens (NOA) confirmed that the recent seismic activity is unrelated to volcanic processes.
“The seismic activity could last for days, weeks, or even months. While we cannot predict its exact duration, we must always prepare for the worst-case scenario, even if the likelihood remains low,” said Professor Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Hellenic Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection (OASP).
“There may be some seismo-volcanic activity, meaning the volcano could show signs of awakening, but there is no chance of an eruption,” Lekkas said.
Santorini is a part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc and one of Europe’s most seismically active regions. The M7.5 Amorgos earthquake in 1956 triggered a 25 m (82 feet) tsunami, killing 53 people and destroying hundreds of buildings. Since then, the island has experienced frequent but smaller tremors.
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Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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