State of emergency declared on Anafi, third Greek island after Santorini, as undersea earthquakes continue
The Greek island of Anafi was placed under a state of emergency on February 13, 2025, due to ongoing intense seismic activity. This makes it the third island in the Aegean Sea to receive this designation, following Amorgos and Santorini.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A state of emergency was declared for the Greek island of Anafi on February 13, following a similar declaration for Santorini and Amorgos.
The emergency declaration enables Greek authorities to mobilize resources more efficiently. This includes deploying disaster response teams, conducting structural assessments of buildings, and ensuring rapid support for affected communities.
The ongoing seismic swarm, now in its third week, has produced over 13 000 earthquakes of up to M5.3, raising concerns among residents and local officials and prompting emergency measures.
Scientists from the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens are analyzing the seismic patterns to determine whether the activity is linked to deeper geological processes.
While earthquakes in this region are not unusual, the recent concentration and frequency of tremors have drawn increased attention. The seismic unrest is occurring near the Santorini caldera, a known volcanic system that has been monitored for signs of potential activity.
The swarm’s location suggests the potential involvement of the Kolumbos submarine volcano, located just 6.5 km (4 miles) northeast of Santorini. Kolumbo is part of the larger Santorini volcanic complex and is known for its major eruption in 1650 which caused damage and fatalities because of pyroclastic flows, tsunamis, and gas emissions.
The volcano remains active, with hydrothermal activity and periodic seismic swarms, making it a key focus for monitoring in the region. Investigations are underway to determine whether the seismicity is caused by tectonic stress along the Kolumbos and Kameni fault systems or deeper magmatic processes.
References:
1 Anafi Declared in State of Emergency as Seismic Activity Persists – GREEK CITY TIMES – February 14, 2025
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.
— BREAKING NEWS – Powerful Earthquake in Santorini – Felt in Heraklion as Well —
– Greek City Times – by BILL GIANNOPOULOS – GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS – 28 MARCH 2025 –
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The epicenter and focal depth of the seismic event
A 4.5 Richter earthquake occurred on Thursday evening off the coast of Santorini.
According to the Geodynamic Institute, the epicenter of the tremor was located 27 kilometers south-southwest of Arkesini, Amorgos, with a focal depth of 5.6 kilometers.
The earthquake was also felt in Heraklion.
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Finis
FYI — Amorgos Rocked by Series of Earthquakes, Largest at 4.0 Magnitude —
– Greek City Times – by BILL GIANNOPOULOS – GREEK NEWS – CURRENT AFFAIRS – LATEST NEWS –
– 23 MARCH 2025 –
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A fresh series of earthquakes struck Amorgos, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4 on the Richter scale, according to the Geodynamic Institute’s estimates. Within a single hour, multiple tremors rattled the region, keeping seismic activity high.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at noon, Amorgos became the epicenter of a string of earthquakes ranging from 3.1 to 4 in magnitude. The initial quake, registering 4 on the Richter scale, hit at 15:02, with its epicenter located 9 kilometers south-southwest of Arkesini, Amorgos, at a depth of 13.1 kilometers, as per the Geodynamic Institute’s revised data.
This was quickly followed by a sequence of at least three additional tremors. The first, at 15:04, measured 2.6 on the Richter scale with a focal depth of approximately 8 kilometers. A stronger quake of 3.4 magnitude struck at 15:19, with a depth of 10.3 kilometers. The third, occurring at 15:53, had a magnitude of 3.1 and a shallower depth of about 5 kilometers.
Reports of these events were tracked and updated by the Geodynamic Institute as of 16:18 on March 22, 2025.
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FYI — Earthquake of 4.1 Richter Shakes Amorgos in the Cyclades —
– Greek City Times – by KOWALENKO CHARLIE – CURRENT AFFAIRS – GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS
– 21 MARCH 2025 –
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After a prolonged period of relative calm, the residents of the Cyclades were jolted awake early Friday morning by a new seismic event.
At 05:47, an earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck the marine area near the island of Amorgos, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens.
The epicentre of the tremor was located 14 kilometres south-southwest of Arkesini, a village on Amorgos, with a focal depth of 15 kilometers. This latest quake follows a brief period of seismic activity in the region, with two smaller tremors of 3.3 and 2.9 Richter recorded just minutes earlier.
While no significant damage or injuries have been reported, the series of quakes has put residents on edge after months of quiet in the seismically active Aegean Sea. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as the Cyclades, like much of Greece, sit atop a network of tectonic fault lines.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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AND — “Santorini and neighboring islands are safe,” says Tourism Minister —
– Keep Talking Greece – Greek News in English, Blog, Wit & Drama – FEATURED – TRAVEL – TOURISM – March 21, 2025 –
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Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni reassured international media that Santorini and the neighboring islands are safe and absolutely ready to welcome visitors for the new tourist season.
In a series of interviews to leading British and international media, including The Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Financial Times, BBC Radio 4, Monocle Radio and CGTN, the minister felt the need to reassure about the safety following an earthquake swarm in the area in the last two months.
“Santorini and the neighboring islands are safe and the infrastructure is functioning normally. Visitors should feel confident that they can visit them,” Kefalogianni said, noting: “I visited Santorini earlier this week and I can tell you that the island remains unique and attractive.”
She pointed out that the state prioritized the safety of citizens from the first moment that the increased seismic activity was recorded in early February.
“Now the scientists have given us the green light, the residents have returned to the island and professionals from all sectors are preparing for the current season. Santorini is ready to welcome visitors,” she stressed.
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AND — Santorini Cruise Update: Celestyal, MSC & More Return to Greek Islands After the Earthquake Swarm —
– Travel Market Report- by Sarah Milner March 19, 2025 –
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After months of uncertainty due to seismic activity, cruise lines are returning to Santorini and the Greek Isles.
In February, Santorini was evacuated due to earthquakes. The Greek island declared a state of emergency due to the high level of seismic activity, and the Greek Maritime Ministry imposed a temporary ban on cruise ship traffic in the port.
In total, the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Athens detected more than 20,000 earthquakes of magnitude 1 or higher between Jan. 26 and Feb. 22 (AP News).
With seismic activity in decline, Santorini is now preparing to welcome back travelers for the tourism season.
According to gtp, Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni announced on March 17 a tourism campaign and the establishment of a Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) to support the island’s recovery.
Kefalogianni is pledging 500,000 euros to a Santorini tourism campaign to promote the destination, as well as 1,000,000 euros for a Recovery and Resilience Fund, to be managed by the new DMMO.
– Cruise Lines Resume Ports of Calls in Santorini –
Representatives from Celestyal and MSC have confirmed with TMR that the cruise lines will be returning to Santorini for the upcoming season.
Following the temporary cruise ship ban, Viking canceled two calls in Santorini scheduled for March, instead adjusting the itineraries to include Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Nafplion.
Celestyal Discovery will now be the first cruise ship heading to the Greek island on Sunday, March 23.
“We continuously monitor our global operations, and in line with recent Greek government advice, we can confirm that we will be returning to the island of Santorini from March 23, 2025,” Celestyal told TMR via a statement.
“This includes all our ‘Iconic Greek Islands’ sailings with departures in March 2025 onwards and all our ‘Idyllic Greece’ sailings with departures from May 2025 onwards. As per Greek government advice, we will be landing our guests at the port of Athinios in Santorini, which is a short 20-minute drive to the main town of Fira until further notice.”
Celestyal is the only cruise line with Santorini calls in March. Princess, Windstar, Regent Seven Seas, MSC, Celebrity, Crystal, Viking, P&O, TUI and Marella all have stops scheduled for April.
Despite the dramatic seismic activity in February, Santorini appears well-positioned for a quick recovery ahead of the 2025 tourism season.
“The safety and enjoyment of our guests and crew will always be our utmost priority, so we are delighted to be the first cruise line to return to Santorini, now that the Greek authorities have lifted the temporary restrictions that were in place,” said Celestyal.
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FYI — Santorini Will Be Open to Visitors Minister Says, As Schools on Island Reopen After Earthquakes —
– Greek Reporter- By Filio Kontrafouri – March 5, 2025 –
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— EXCERPT (Long Article)
— Schools reopened on the idyllic island of Santorini after remaining closed for several weeks following a swarm of earthquakes hammering the region, with the Greek Minister of Tourism saying that Santorini this summer will be welcoming visitors like every other year.
Schools on Santorini and the neighboring islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos reopened on Tuesday, March 4, despite ongoing minor tremors. Experts say that the seismic activity, which began in late January and continued for almost a month, has subsided, allowing life to return to normal after the long Clean Monday public holiday.
Inspections of public buildings across the island have confirmed they have withstood the tremors and are safe to reopen, while the enhanced safety measures introduced during the earthquake swarm will remain in place.
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AND — Greece Forecasts Record-Breaking Tourism Year in 2025, Says Tourism Minister —
– Greek City Times – by KOWALENKO CHARLIE – CURRENT AFFAIRS
– GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS – TRAVEL NEWS – WORLD NEWS – 6 MARCH 2025 –
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— EXCERPT (Long Article)
— Greece is poised for a stellar tourism season in 2025, with Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni expressing confidence in the country’s ability to attract an unprecedented number of international visitors.
. . . —
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FYI — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 7, 2025 10:49 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 953 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.6:
– 17 quakes above magnitude 3
– 399 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 537 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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FYI — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 7, 2025 – 23:07 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,047 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.8:
– 19 quakes above magnitude 3
– 411 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 617 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
FYI — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 8, 2025 – 15:25 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,161 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.8:
– 19 quakes above magnitude 3
– 448 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 694 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 272 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.5:
– 4 quakes above magnitude 3
– 69 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 199 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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FYI — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 9, 2025 – 05:29 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,263 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.8:
– 20 quakes above magnitude 3
– 457 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 786 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 272 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.7:
– 3 quakes above magnitude 3
– 56 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 198 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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FYI — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 11, 2025 – 06:46 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,501 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.8:
– 17 quakes above magnitude 3
– 422 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 1,062 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 200 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.2:
– 4 quakes above magnitude 3
– 24 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 1728 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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FYI — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 14, 2025 – 15:21 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,359 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.7 :
– 15 quakes above magnitude 3
– 325 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 1,019 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 215 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.6 :
– 3 quakes above magnitude 3
– 60 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 152 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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AND — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 15, 2025 – 00:11 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,328 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.7 :
– 18 quakes above magnitude 3
– 315 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 995 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 251 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.7 :
– 8 quakes above magnitude 3
– 52 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 191 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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AND — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 16, 2025 – 19:34 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 1,140 quakes of magnitudes up to 4.1 :
– 1 quake above magnitude 4
– 18 quakes above magnitude 3
– 274 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 847 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 139 quakes of magnitudes up to 4 .1 :
– 1 quake above magnitude 4
– 2 quakes above magnitude 3
– 26 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 110 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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AND — Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 7 (SEVEN) days –
— list, stats and map — Volcano Discovery —
– Updated: Friday, Mar 21, 2025 – 04:34 GMT –
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In the past 7 days, the Cyclades has had 919 quakes of magnitudes up to 4.1 :
– 2 quake above magnitude 4
– 18 quakes above magnitude 3
– 265 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 634 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 82 quakes of magnitudes up to 4 .1 :
– 1 quake above magnitude 4
– 3 quakes above magnitude 3
– 51 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 27 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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AND — Lekas to Santorini: The difficult period is over, there is no question of a major earthquake —
– On the seismic activity in the region, he said that “it has returned to normal levels” after a month of about 23,000 tremors –
– Proto Thema (Greece) – Newsroom – March 8 – 10:00 –
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“There is no risk of a tsunami at the moment in Santorini and the wider area, just as there is no question of a major earthquake,” the president of the OAAP, Eythymios Lekkas, commented on the study of the National Academy of Sciences on the areas with a possibility of tsunami outbreak.
At the same time, he also spoke about the seismic activity in the region, which he said “has returned to normal levels” after a month of intense seismic activity that included some 23,000 tremors.
“A tsunami, as we all know, is only generated after a strong earthquake, which has to exceed 5.5 or 6 on the Richter to cause a ‘decent’ tsunami. Any other tremor will be a simple wave which will cause no, but no destruction and disruption.”
Lekkas said. He said the earthquakes recorded in the region ranged from 1 degree on the Richter scale to 5.3 on the Richter scale.
Regarding the seismic activity, which, although in remission, is still upsetting people in Santorini and the surrounding islands, the geodynamics professor said that “the chances of an earthquake occurring now are similar to those before February 1. The difficult period is over, and we are back to normal.”
Although earthquakes have increased over the past month, Lekas noted that there is no cause for concern for visitors and residents. At the same time, he noted that “now we have to look forward to the next day.” This is given that the seismic activity occurred at the beginning of the tourist season for Santorini and the surrounding islands.
“Santorini and the surrounding islands have been fully organized, not only with seismographs but with GPS and all the instruments that must be in place so that we have full knowledge and full understanding of the phenomenon,” he noted. “We have come back, and we will, of course, now look at the impact that this phenomenon has probably created,” he added.
Asked which buildings should be demolished in the areas at risk, he replied that in the first instance, those structures that do not meet building regulations, are unauthorised and have been built on the Caldera without studies should be examined. However, he said this is not the responsibility of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Agency but of the Environment Ministry.
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— AND — Greek Study Warns of Tsunami Risk in Central Aegean —
– GreekReporter – By Tasos Kokkinidis – March 10, 2025 –
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– EXCERPTS (Long Article)
— A new study by Greek scientists has warned of the possibility of a tsunami occurring in the central Aegean region between Santorini and Amorgos.
Scientists from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) warned that while seismic activity is a known trigger, landslides—both on land and underwater—could also generate destructive waves, emphasizing the need for preparedness and public awareness.
According to the research team, the risk of a tsunami is not solely linked to recent seismic activity but represents an ongoing hazard for the area.
Greece, known for its high seismicity, requires a well-organized evacuation plan, clear guidelines, and continuous public training to mitigate potential disasters. Because tsunamis can strike unpredictably, coordinated prevention and preparedness measures are essential.
A team from NKUA’s Department of Geology and Geoenvironment conducted an extensive mapping of areas at risk and assessed the suitability of existing tsunami refuge points designated by local municipalities.
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— Key findings on the risk of tsunami in the Aegean
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— Need for additional preparedness measures —
The study highlights that following international best practices for tsunami evacuations is crucial. It calls for immediate action to enhance safety in the region, recommending:
– Updating and revising designated refuge areas as needed.
– Establishing clear evacuation zones and escape routes.
– Marking and mapping evacuation routes for public guidance.
– Increasing public awareness and education efforts for both residents and visitors.
– Conducting preparedness drills involving citizens, local authorities, and emergency services.
– Enhancing scientific monitoring of seismic and geodynamic activity, as well as strengthening the early warning system for tsunamis.
As concerns over potential tsunamis grow, authorities and communities in the Cyclades must prioritize preparedness to minimize risks. This latest study underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding lives and infrastructure in one of Greece’s most seismically active regions. —
AND — Santorini’s Seismic Risk Diminishes: Expert Assures Safety Ahead of Tourist Season —
– Greek City Times- by ARTHUR G – GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS – TRAVEL NEWS – 11 MARCH 2025 –
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In a recent interview on Proto Programma 91.6 and 105.8, Eythymis Lekkas, a Professor of Natural Disasters and President of OASP, discussed the seismic situation in Santorini. He reassured that the likelihood of a significant earthquake, specifically a magnitude 6 event, is decreasing. This reduction is attributed to the high frequency of smaller earthquakes, with Santorini experiencing over a thousand minor quakes in a single day, which has effectively released seismic energy from the area.
Lekkas highlighted that infrastructure reinforcement works in Santorini are set to commence soon, with initial projects expected to be completed by Easter, aligning with the start of the tourist season, which includes both Orthodox and Catholic Easter this year. While some simpler projects will be finished before Easter, more complex projects requiring extensive preparation and study will not begin until after Easter and might take up to a year to complete.
He also mentioned that current seismic activity has significantly decreased, with the average magnitude of earthquakes now below 3. This trend suggests a move towards a more stable scenario with no prolonged seismic sequences expected. However, Lekkas noted that isolated earthquakes of up to magnitude 5 could still occur but are not expected to have a significant impact on the island. Overall, the situation in Santorini is viewed positively, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety and operational continuity for the upcoming tourist season.
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FYI — Santorini faces continued earthquake risks as schools set to reopen amid seismic decline —
– Türkiye Today – By Koray Erdogan – Mar 2, 2025 – 1:15 PM –
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Although seismic fluctuations in the Aegean Sea between Santorini and Amorgos have decreased, occasional high-intensity earthquakes continue to cause concern.
However, the data from the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Hazard Assessment and the Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc, gathered on Thursday, February 27, 2025, indicates that the situation in Santorini remains stable.
While the Committee advises that precautionary measures continue, it made a controversial decision to recommend the reopening of schools in Santorini on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Although the earthquake activity has decreased, authorities emphasized the need for schools to continue implementing seismic safety protocols. Despite the significant reduction in the risk of stronger tremors, it has not been eliminated, as highlighted by the committee.
– Mandatory return to island following decision –
Following the committee’s decision, mandatory returns to the island began, particularly from March 1, 2025. Those returning to Santorini expressed their dissatisfaction with the committee’s recommendation and voiced their concerns about the premature reopening of schools.
They pointed out the irony in the committee’s announcement, which emphasized the need for both the reopening of schools and continued seismic safety measures.
– Is seismic activity declining? –
The meeting was attended by government officials, including Minister of Climate Crisis and Disaster Management Vassilis Kikilias and Deputy Minister Evangelos Tournas. Experts confirmed that seismic activity had significantly decreased over the past two weeks and is now at low levels.
During this period of uncertainty, the committees issued several safety guidelines to ensure public safety. These include:
– Avoid approaching abandoned buildings.
– Refrain from visiting or staying at Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfu, and Fira Old Port.
– Remove hazardous structural elements in buildings (such as heavy hanging objects, and suspended ceilings) and drain swimming pools.
– Choose safe routes in urban and district roads, especially in areas with steep slopes and potential landslides.
– In the event of a strong seismic tremor, move away from coastal areas.
– Efforts to reduce landslide risk in Santorini continue –
The committees also reviewed the study titled “Operational Actions to Reduce Landslide Risks in the Santorini Volcanic Complex Caldera” and recommended the implementation of appropriate actions to reduce the landslide risk in the region.
– Next steps and ongoing monitoring –
The committees will convene again on Friday, March 7, to assess the situation.
Citizens can find more information on seismic safety by visiting the websites of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
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FYI — Santorini Earthquakes March 2025 Update: Residents Return, Cruise Ships Still Banned —
– travelmarket Report – by Sarah Milner – March 03, 2025 –
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Santorini residents are beginning to return to the Greek island after a weeks-long earthquake swarm, but the Greek Maritime Ministry’s temporary ban on cruise ship calls remains active.
Over the last month, thousands of earthquakes have been shaking Santorini and the Cyclades. Greece declared a state of emergency for the area, and thousands of residents evacuated the island.
Since Jan. 26, there have been more than 20,000 tremors, which have caused minor damage.
AP is reporting a decline in Santorini’s seismic activity, resulting in “several thousand” people returning to their homes. According to Greek City Times, schools are set to reopen Mar. 4, adhering to earthquake preparedness protocols to ensure student safety.
Although residents are returning, cruise lines are not: Viking had two March calls in Santorini that have been adjusted due to the Greek Maritime Ministry’s temporary ban on cruise ship.
“Viking had two scheduled calls in Santorini in March. These have now been adjusted, with the ships instead calling in Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Nafplion,” a reprensentative told TMR. “We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and have notified any impacted guests and their travel advisors directly.”
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** FYI ** — Illegal hotels, pools and hot tubs: Santorini’s ‘building crimes’ are a disaster waiting to happen —
– Euro News – Travel > Travel News – By Joanna Bailey – Published on 28/02/2025 – 16:02 – GMT+1 – Updated 16:07
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EXCERPT (Lengthy Article) — Authorities have released details of dozens of illegal buildings on the Greek island of Santorini, which seismologists say present a future earthquake risk. —
Inspections on the popular island of Santorini have discovered dozens of illegal buildings that could be at risk in the event of future earthquakes.
The Greek Ministry of the Environment and Energy released details of its findings this week, following inspections conducted in October and November last year.
Authorities discovered that many of the hotels and tourist accommodations on the island had falsely registered as pre-1955 structures to bypass stringent regulations.
The crescent-shaped ‘caldera,’ the edge of an ancient volcano, has been particularly closely regulated to preserve its iconic white cliffside buildings. Even here, where rules are tightest, illegal construction has been found.
Among the buildings identified in the report was a tourist accommodation located in the caldera’s protected zone that exceeded its approved size. For this, authorities issued a fine of €191,000.
Other buildings were found to have installed hot tubs and swimming pools that violated protection laws. Altogether, fines totalling more than €900,000 were issued in relation to illegal developments in areas near the caldera.
New rules mean illegal structures can be removed if they violate Santorini’s protection laws, with owners given 30 days from the date of the decision to take them down.
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FYI — Santorini Residents Return After Earthquakes —
– Greek City Times – TRAVEL NEWS – CURRENT AFFAIRS – GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS – TRAVEL TIPS – WORLD NEWS – 27 FEBRUARY 2025 –
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Between February 12th and 26th, 5,475 residents returned to Santorini, according to official data from the Santorini Municipality’s Civil Protection Department, based on information from Fraport and the Santorini Port Authority. Prior to this return, on February 11th, the island’s remaining population was estimated at 7,000.
The return appears to coincide with a decrease in the intensity and frequency of the earthquakes. News outlets like Parapolitika Newsroom are reporting on this gradual return. A related poll by parapolitika.gr explores public opinion regarding the seismic activity in the Cyclades.
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— Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 24 hours on Friday, February 28, 2025 – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Feb 28, 2025 08:52 GMT – QUAKE STATISTICS –
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 85 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.8:
3 quakes above magnitude 3
21 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
61 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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— Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 24 hours on Sunday, March 2, 2025 – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 2, 2025 05:47 GMT – QUAKE STATISTICS –
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 110 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.5:
– 1 quake above magnitude 3
– 24 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
– 85 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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— Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 24 hours on Sunday, March 2, 2025 – list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 2, 2025 – 15:56 GMT – QUAKE STATISTICS –
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 112 quakes of magnitudes up to 3.5:
– 4 quakes above magnitude 3
-26 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
-82 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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— Latest quakes in or near the Cyclades in the past 24 hours on Thursday, March 6, 2025
– list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Updated: Mar 6, 2025 – 02:40 GMT – QUAKE STATISTICS –
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In the past 24 hours, the Cyclades has had 177 quakes of magnitudes up to 2.9:
– 88 quakes above magnitude 2
– 89 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
FYI — Schools in Santorini Set to Reopen After Clean Monday Following Seismic Activity Decline —
– Greek City Times – by KOWALENKO CHARLIE – CURRENT AFFAIRS – GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS – 28 FEBRUARY 2025 –
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EXCERPT – Schools in Santorini and nearby islands will reopen on Tuesday, March 4, following nearly a month-long closure due to heightened seismic activity in the region. –
The decision was made after expert committees assessed the current situation and determined that the seismic sequence in the sea area of Anidros has significantly declined in recent weeks.
The announcement was made after a meeting on Thursday at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, where the Permanent Special Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Seismic Risk Reduction, along with the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc, reviewed the latest data. According to a statement from the committees, seismic activity between Thera and Amorgos continues to show signs of regression, and public buildings have demonstrated resilience to seismic loads.
While schools in Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios are set to reopen, authorities have emphasised the importance of adhering to precautionary measures. Although the risk of stronger tremors has decreased significantly, it has not been entirely eliminated. School units are advised to implement earthquake preparedness protocols to ensure student safety.
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FYI — Mag. 4.4 earthquake – Aegean Sea, 27 km southeast of Heraklia Island, Cyclades, South Aegean, Greece, on Monday, Feb 24, 2025, at 01:33 pm (Athens time) —
– Volcano Discovery – Latest Worldwide > Greece > Updated: Feb 24, 2025 12:03 GMT –
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A moderate magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred in the Aegean Sea near Heraklia island, Greece, around noon of Monday, Feb 24, 2025 at 1.33 pm local time (Europe/Athens GMT +2). The quake had a very shallow depth of 17.3 km (11 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter.
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FYI — Seismic Activity in Santorini Expected to Persist for Weeks, Expert Warns —
– Greek City Times – by GCT – GREEK NEWS – CURRENT AFFAIRS – LATEST NEWS – 24 FEBRUARY 2025 –
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– Professor Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, cautioned on Sunday that the ongoing seismic activity in Santorini is likely to continue for an extended period. –
Speaking to public broadcaster ERTNews, he described the situation as a “prolonged sequence” that could last several weeks or even months. “This kind of seismic activity doesn’t fade quickly,” he noted.
According to Lekkas, the region has already experienced over 20,000 earthquakes, underscoring the scale of the phenomenon. “This is a unique event in an extraordinary area. The risk hasn’t disappeared—it’s never zero anywhere in Greece,” he said. While a 6.0-magnitude earthquake remains a possibility, he emphasized that the chances of such an event have notably decreased.
In parallel, a team from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA) Department of Geology, led by Professor Manolis Vasilakis, arrived on the island Saturday morning. Their focus is on evaluating landslide risks, which are a recurring issue in Santorini and could intensify due to the tremors. Using cutting-edge close-range remote sensing technology, the team is mapping vulnerable areas to determine where landslides might worsen.
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HOWEVER — Greek scientists say Santorini’s earthquake swarm is in ‘gradual decline’ as thousands return —
– The Detroit News (US) – Associated Press – Published 2:16 p.m. ET (19:16 UTC) Feb. 24, 2025 –
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Athens, Greece — Scientists from the University of Athens monitoring an earthquake swarm near the island of Santorini said Monday the phenomenon was in “gradual decline” nearly a month after the multiple tremors started.
The undersea shocks — sometimes recorded only minutes apart — led thousands of residents and workers to flee the famed cliff-top towns of Santorini as well as the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos and Anafi.
Schools remain closed on those islands for a fourth week and many other restrictions are still in effect. But scientists said they were encouraged by the recent progression of the earthquake swarm.
“Seismic activity continues to show a gradual decline, both in terms of the daily number of recorded earthquakes and maximum magnitudes,” the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Athens said.
“The activity remains concentrated in the same focal area … with no new micro-seismic surges observed since Feb. 15,” it said.
The committee said it recorded more than 20,000 earthquakes of magnitude 1 or higher between Jan. 26 and Feb. 22.
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FYI — Greek earthquakes: Expert warns volcano in Nea Kameni islet in Aegean Sea activated —
Activation so far hasn’t led to seismic activity, but scientists remain on yellow alert, says Panagiotis Papadimitriou
– AA (Anadolu Agency – Turkey) – Ahmet Gencturk | 21.02.2025 – Update : 21.02.2025 –
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– ATHENS –
A leading Greek seismologist warned that the volcano in Nea Kameni islet in the Aegean Sea has been activated since late January.
Speaking to the In.gr news outlet, Panagiotis Papadimitriou, an emeritus professor of seismology at the University of Athens, said the activation so far hasn’t led to seismic activity, but the scientists remain on yellow alert.
According to him, the seismic activity in the area of Santorini will either weaken or lead to an earthquake of 6 to 6.3 magnitude on the Richter scale, which is not forecasted to cause a serious impact on the surrounding islands as the distance from the epicenter will be over 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).
“This would accelerate the completion of the seismic sequence,” he added.
The small volcanic island of Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular tourist attractions, with an estimated 3.4 million tourists visiting annually.
On Feb. 6, Greek authorities declared a state of emergency for the island until March 3 due to a surge in seismic activity.
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AND — Greece Earthquakes: Authorities maintain security measures as seismic activity eases on island of Santorini —
Finance Ministry considers suspending newly-introduced tax on cruise ships to lure tourists to islands, according to reports
– AA (Anadolu Agency – Turkey) – Ahmet Gençtürk | 20.02.2025 – Update : 21.02.2025 –
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– ATHENS –
Authorities are maintaining security measures as seismic activity has eased on the Greek island of Santorini, according to the media reports Thursday.
Following a meeting with two scientific committees monitoring the earthquakes in Santorini, experts announced that seismic activity within the Santorini Caldera has remained stable after recent earthquakes, the To Vima newspaper reported.
Experts drew attention, however, to the increased ground deformation in the broader Santorini area.
In line with suggestions from the meeting, authorities decided to maintain safety measures until Feb. 22, when the committees will gather for further evaluation.
In a related development, the Finance Ministry is considering a temporary suspension of a newly-introduced tax on cruise ships until the effects of the tremors on the island’s economy can be reassessed.
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FYI — Santorini seismic activity down but schools stay shuttered: Greece —
– The Korea Times – World – SCMP – Asia – Sun, February 23, 2025 | 21:25 –
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Seismic activity on the Aegean Sea hotspot of Santorini has been “decreasing” over recent days but schools will remain closed for another week, according to authorities on the Greek island.
Thousands of earthquakes, mainly of a low magnitude, have been recorded between Santorini and Amorgos, islands in the Cyclades group southeast of the Greek mainland. They have yet to cause either casualties or significant damage but have worried authorities and residents.
“Seismic activity in the maritime region between Thira (Santorini) and Amorgos is decreasing,” the ministry of civil protection said in a press release late Saturday following a meeting with the national commission of seismologists.
The ministry attributed the activity to a combination of tectonic movement and deep magmatic activity.
The region has not experienced a phenomenon of such magnitude since records began in 1964, experts say.
Located where the African and Anatolian tectonic plates converge, the Aegean Sea is often hit by earthquakes.
Known for its spectacular volcanic caldera, a large depression that forms when a volcano erupts and collapses, Santorini is also part of a volcanic arc with two underwater volcanoes near to its coast, Nea Kameni and Kolumbo, which last erupted in 1950 and 1650 respectively.
Authorities put the level of seismic activity inside the caldera as similar to recent days, noting a decrease in the rate of local ground deformation.
The ministry aid preventative measures would remain in force, urging residents to be alert to the risk of landslides.
Schools will meantime remain closed until Friday on Santorini and the nearby islands of Ios, Anafi and Amorgos while a ministerial assessment meeting will be held Thursday.
Authorities declared a state of emergency in Santorini and Amorgos at the start of February for a month, with schools closing while a majority of Santorini residents elected to leave the island, which saw 3.4 million visitors in 2023, leading to complaints of overtourism.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently announced a support package for local businesses and workers on the island, one of Greece’s most popular tourism destinations. (AFP)
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FYI — The seismicity between Santorini and Amorgos is in decline: over 22,600 tremors since 26 January —
According to the NSCA, no new microseismic outbreak has been observed since February 15
– Proto Thema (Greece) – Newsroom – February 21 – 05:21 –
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Over 22,600 earthquakes have been recorded since the onset of seismic activity in the Santorini–Amorgos region from January 26 to February 19, 2025, according to the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management of the ECCA.
At the same time, as highlighted, seismicity is showing a gradual decline, both in terms of the daily number of earthquakes and in terms of maximum magnitude, with no new microseismic outbreak observed since February 15.
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FYI — SANTORINI: MASSIVE LANDSLIDE TRIGGERED BY 4.9 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE – WATCH THE VIDEO —
— Greece High Definition – February 19, 2025 —
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In Santorini, the seismic sequence appears to be declining. However, the swarm of earthquakes produced two more significant tremors yesterday, measuring 5.0 and 4.9 on the Richter scale, preventing any sense of complacency.
A video obtained by ERTNews and correspondent Kostas Nousis in Santorini captures a large landslide occurring on the island during yesterday’s 4.9 magnitude earthquake.
Watch the video:
– EPT News – ΕΙΔΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ – 19/02/25 16:05 – Ενημέρωση 19/02 16:21 –
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— SANTORINI EARTHQUAKES: GROUND DISPLACEMENT UP TO 8 CM – POSSIBLE SCENARIOS FOR THE PHENOMENON’S EVOLUTION —
— Greece High Definition – February 20, 2025 —
A magnitude 6 earthquake remains a possible scenario, which could lead to the collapse of up to 300 buildings in the Santorini caldera.
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Lengthy Article – EXCERPTS –
— THE ONGOING SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN SANTORINI —
Renowned seismologist Efthymios Lekkas visited Santorini on Wednesday (February 19, 2025) to assess the seismic activity affecting the Cyclades islands. He met with the Local Operational Coordination Body of Civil Protection, established in response to the successive tremors shaking the region.
Accompanied by members of the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), Lekkas emphasized that the most probable scenario is a gradual de-escalation of the seismic activity. However, he acknowledged that an earthquake of around 6.0 on the Richter scale remains a potential outcome.
— POTENTIAL EARTHQUAKE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES —
While a 6.0-magnitude earthquake or greater is considered an extreme scenario, it remains the second most likely possibility. Lekkas warned of the significant impact such an event could have on the island, with a 4% probability of 200 to 300 buildings collapsing in the Santorini caldera.
— VOLCANIC ACTIVITY AND GEOLOGICAL SHIFTS —
Addressing concerns about volcanic activity, Lekkas reassured that the Kolumbo submarine volcano is not expected to erupt within the next 10,000 years. Furthermore, the possibility of a new volcano forming in the area is estimated to be at least 200,000 years away.
Geological surveys have also recorded significant ground displacement. The northern part of Santorini has shifted by 8 centimeters, while the southern part has moved by 4 centimeters. These movements, though notable, are evolving on a geological timescale and do not currently impact operational response measures.
— OFFICIAL REPORT AND PREPAREDNESS MEASURES —
On February 18, 2025, Lekkas, along with committee members Antonarakou and Evelpidou, met with the Local Operational Coordination Body of Civil Protection (TESOPP). The meeting aimed to enhance coordination among all emergency response teams on the island.
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— ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS —
Other issues discussed during the meeting included:
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FYI — Greece’s top seismologist on 6R earthquake, volcano eruption, caldera buildings collapse —
— Keep Talking Greece – February 19, 2025 Earthquake, FEATURED, Society –
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Greece’s top seismologist does not exclude an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale, while there is a 4% chance that such a tremor could cause the collapse of up to 300 buildings in the caldera of Santorini.
On Wednesday, February 19, head of National Earthquake Planning and Protection, Efthymios Lekkas, made his own predictions about the course and the evolution of the seismic phenomenon in Santorini.
During his visit on Santorini and accompanied by members of the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management of the National University of Athens, Lekkas clarified that for him the most likely scenario for the evolution of the phenomenon is the gradual de-escalation of earthquakes in Santorini, although a tremor of magnitude 6 on the Richter scale still remains possible.
Although an earthquake of magnitude 6 or more on the Richter scale is considered extreme, this scenario remains the second most likely, he stressed, while sounding the alarm about the effects it will have on the island.
He explained that in the event of such a strong earthquake, there is a 4% chance that 200 to 300 buildings in the caldera of Santorini will collapse.
Regarding the volcanic activity, Lekkas made clear that the Columbo is not going to erupt in the next 10,000 years, while the possibility of a new volcano being created exists, but in 200,000 years from now.
Regarding geological changes, he said that ground movements have been recorded. The northern part of the island has shifted by 8 centimeters while the southern part by 4 cm.
Eftymios Lekkas presented the possible scenarios for the development of the situation, explaining the time scale and the required operational planning for each case and his presentation was based on the proposals of the Committee for Seismic Hazard Assessment and Reduction and the Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc.
Lekkas’ scenarios were included in the announcement by the University of Athens (EKPA/NKUA)
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AND — Greece – Seisic swarm in Cyclades Islands —
— ECHO Daily Map of 20 February 2025 – Daily Map —
– ERCC – Emergency Response Coordination Centre –
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Maps
The daily map provides an overview of a significant event or situation on a daily basis. The maps are related to DG ECHO humanitarian and civil protection interventions or depict events that are expected to have humanitarian consequences.
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AND — Greek earthquakes: Expert sees no letup in seismic activity in Cyclades Islands —
Though decreasing, the seismic phenomenon continues, says scientist Akis Tselentis
– Anadolu Agency (Turkey) – Ahmet Gencturk | 19.02.2025 – Update : 20.02.2025 –
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– ATHENS –
A leading Greek seismologist on Wednesday said there has been no letup in seismic activity in Greece’s Cyclades Islands, particularly centered in and around the islands of Santorini – a top tourist attraction – and Amorgos.
Commenting on recent seismic activity in the area of the Aegean, where over 20,000 tremors were recorded in the last three weeks, Akis Tselentis of the University of Athens said on Facebook there has been a slight decrease in the seismicity.
But the phenomenon is ongoing, he stressed.
“We are observing a decrease in seismicity that is becoming noticeable, but in reality, the earthquakes continue,” said Tselentis.
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FYI — Santorini’s volcano swakens with a roar and rising magma —
— Volcanic activity enters a new phase; process deemed magmatic rather than tectonic, say scientists – Experts closely monitor the shifting earthquake epicenters across the islands —
– Proto Thema – Newsroom – February 17 – 07:49 –
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The mystery surrounding the swarm of seismic tremors in Santorini turned into a nerve-wracking thriller on Friday night. That was when the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center confirmed that increased activity, including harmonic tremors and a deep rumbling sound, had been detected on the island. According to scientists, and especially based on the presence of harmonic tremors, this typically indicates that magma is moving upward—an unmistakable sign of volcanic unrest.
For three hours, this intense movement of magmatic fluids persisted—long enough to concern scientists: Has Santorini’s volcano awakened, and what could it mean?
— Seismographic Readings Under Scrutiny —
Chilean geophysics professor Luis Donoso analyzed the readings from the “Thira” seismic station monitored by the EMSC. “The signal detected is a vibration registered by the instrument. Its origin is not tectonic but is linked to fluid movement within a fault system—fluid that carves its own path through the rock it moves in,” he explained.
Speaking to Proto Thema, Donoso stated that while this activity could mean many things, thorough study is needed before drawing conclusions. However, after about three hours, activity levels returned to normal. This, he clarified, does not mean the volcano has gone back to sleep—rather, it suggests a transition into a new phase.
The seismic recordings from the “Thira” station at Santorini’s volcano set scientists on high alert on Friday night.
— What’s Happening in Santorini? —
“So, what’s really going on in Santorini?” Proto Thema asked Mike Burton, a volcanology professor at the University of Manchester. “Honestly,” he said, “when we’re dealing with a situation like this, predicting what will happen is not easy. Volcanic signals can be significant and lead to nothing, or they can be subtle and precede a major eruption after a long period of unrest. We just have to wait and see. The deformation and seismic signals suggest a magmatic process rather than a tectonic one, but a submarine eruption is by no means a certainty.”
— A “Spectacular” Eruption? —
The movement of these magmatic fluids, according to scientists, could mean a range of things—from the volcano slowly waking up to the possibility of increased activity that eventually subsides, much like in 2011.
“Since late July last year, we’ve been recording unrest at Kameni,” said volcanologist Giorgos Vougioukalakis, a member of Greece’s National Committee for Monitoring and Assessing Active Volcanoes in the Aegean. “By the end of November, we were sure of the trend. We informed the authorities and the relevant minister, and on January 5, the official update was issued: Santorini’s volcano was in a state of concern. The northern section of the caldera, between Kameni, Fira, and Oia, has risen by 4.5 cm, at a rate of about 1 cm per month.”
While Vougioukalakis stated that recent seismic activity in the area is not directly linked to volcanic activity, he believes we are seeing a repetition of the 2011 phenomenon. “Back then, we recorded a 13 cm uplift, the activity lasted 14 months, and the volcano went back to sleep. Now, we’re waiting to see how this plays out and whether it will settle again.”
Both at Kameni and Kolumbo, the State Geological Institute is analyzing data from seismographs, ground deformation monitoring networks, gas composition measurements, temperature readings, and dozens of other monitoring stations. This week, an on-site investigation by scientists at Kameni is also expected.
Vougioukalakis explained that the amount of magma currently gathered beneath the volcano is only about 10% of what was accumulated in 2011 (140 million cubic meters). He also pointed out that a scenario similar to the 1925 eruption is plausible. “If this unrest continues and the volcano reactivates, we could see a spectacular yet harmless eruption—similar to the one in Santorini in 1925, which was the first volcanic eruption ever captured on film. Back then, there were no casualties. Of course, today we’d have to deal with new challenges, such as managing volcanic ash—fine-grained pulverized rock that could occasionally reach Fira or the airport—as well as some gas emissions that might, at times, have slightly higher concentrations. But these are challenges that have been addressed worldwide. The contingency plan describes in great detail what needs to be done and how. With proper management, I don’t foresee any issues for Santorini.”
— A Seismic Paradox? —
The surge in magma movement followed roughly 12 hours of relative seismic quiet in Santorini and Amorgos. According to some scientists, this activity might indicate not just volcanic or seismic fault agitation but potentially the exact opposite—that the energy in the area is being released.
The most probable explanation for the increased activity, according to Professor Evi Nomikou from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is the passage of fluids from deeper magma chambers, causing shifts on the seafloor as they ascend.
However, Vougioukalakis clarifies: “Not a single tremor has had an epicenter within 5 kilometers of the caldera’s magma chamber, nor has any evidence emerged pointing to Kolumbo.”
— Could a Major Earthquake Follow? —
As seismic activity over the past weeks shifts northeast toward the more dangerous Amorgos Fault—the one responsible for the massive 1956 earthquake—and as Santorini’s caldera continues rising at 1 cm per month, concerns grow: Will this unrest culminate in a major earthquake and tsunami? Will the volcano erupt? Or will everything subside through a series of minor quakes?
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which recorded over 15,300 tremors between January 26 and last Monday (including a 5.2-magnitude quake), observes that the seismicity is migrating northeast—toward a different fault segment, with epicenters east of Anidros, and the strongest quakes occurring north of Anidros. “That’s not something we want,” Nomikou noted.
Seismologists have deployed monitoring stations on Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, Anidros, Astypalaia, and Anafi. According to Nomikou, the primary concern is that “this entire seismogenic zone is adjacent to major active fault lines, including the large Amorgos Fault (which caused the 7.7-magnitude quake in 1956). We do not want the seismic epicenters shifting northeast. Nor do we want any influence on the Kolumbo submarine volcano, which is located northeast of Santorini and borders these fault zones.”
— When Will It Stop? —
There’s no definitive answer on when this seismic activity will subside, but early estimates vary.
Professor Dimitris Papanikolaou predicts that the quakes in Santorini will persist “until Easter,” saying, “I’m fairly certain we’ll still be dealing with this by then, and possibly beyond.”
Seismologist Akis Tselentis believes the phenomenon will last for months, as we are still in the foreshock phase, awaiting the main event and subsequent aftershocks. “This depends on when the main quake occurs and its magnitude. Until then, the current foreshock activity will continue (as it did for months in Arkalochori). Even after the main quake, the aftershock sequence may last a while. Unfortunately, this will impact the island’s tourism for several months.”
Nomikou, however, emphasizes that predicting the duration of seismic activity is no easy feat: “In other areas, similar phenomena lasted 1 to 1.5 years…”
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** NOTE ** — Volcano Discovery – Earthquakes – Greece —
Feb 17, 09:49 am (Athens) – Magnitude 5.0 – 10 km (Depth) – 27 km NE of Firá, Greece
— I FELT IT – 18 reports —
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INFO — New 5.1 Earthquake Rattles Santorini as Greece Plans Emergency Escape Port —
– Greek Reporter – Greek News – By Tasos Kokkinidis – February 17, 2025 –
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A 5.1 earthquake rattled Santorini and neighboring Amorgos on Monday morning as Greece announced that an emergency escape port is to be build on Santorini to help evacuations in case of an emergency.
According to the Geodynamics Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, the quake occurred shortly before 10 a.m., 21 km southwest of Arkesini, in southern Amorgos, at a depth of 15 km.
The planned port will be constructed on a strategic part of the island, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias said on Monday. –
“It was decided in a meeting with the Prime Minister that alongside the new port of Santorini, an escape port will also be created,” Kikilias stated. The project is a collaboration between Civil Protection and the Greek Armed Forces, which will oversee its implementation, he added.
— Conflicting statements by experts on earthquakes in Santorini —
Addressing concerns over conflicting statements by experts, Kikilias called for “temperance” in scientific communication, emphasizing that local residents, business owners, and tourists should receive clear and responsible information. “People are not required to understand scientific terminology. Our priority—mine, the Prime Minister’s, and the government’s—is the safety of our citizens,” he stressed.
He assured the public that authorities are fully mobilized, with the Civil Protection Agency, security forces, armed forces, and utility companies on standby to respond to any emergencies in Santorini and the surrounding islands.
Some experts are saying the earthquake swarms around Santorini are now volcanic in nature, rather than tectonic shift activity. What this means is that rising magma is causing the quakes and that an eruption or larger earthquakes are more likely.
For example, Professor of Natural Disasters and Academy of Athens member Dr. Costas Synolakis, insists that the earthquakes may not be tectonic, but caused by volcanic activity. “We are next to a volcano that is in an active phase. The displacements and earthquakes show that magma is rising to the surface, causing the cracks to break,” he explained.
The volcanic activity may cease, as it has in the past. However, the scientist advised caution. “It can. We have seen it before. However, we need to evaluate other parameters, such as ground deformations, seabed measurements and volcanic gases.”
Other experts suggest that the earthquake swarms are tectonic. Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos, director of research at the Geodynamic Institute, told state-run broadcaster ERT recently:
“The important thing is that from the examination we have done it does not appear that they are volcanic earthquakes. In other words, they are not earthquakes that are related to some volcanic processes in the subsoil, under the volcano or around the volcano. They are purely tectonic earthquakes, of the kind that could occur in any other region of the country,” he explained.
— Related: Santorini’s Tourism Industry Holds Its Breath as Earthquakes Persist —
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INFO
— Free Accommodation in Athens for Earthquake-Affected Residents of Greek Islands —
— Greek City News – by KOWALENKO CHARLIE – CURRENT AFFAIRS – GREEK NEWS – LATEST NEWS – TRAVEL NEWS – WORLD NEWS – 17 FEBRUARY 2025 —
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In response to the recent seismic activity impacting several Greek islands, the Municipality of Athens has partnered with the non-profit organization Airbnb.org to provide free temporary housing for affected residents seeking shelter in the capital.
This initiative is available to residents of Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios, where strong earthquakes have caused disruptions and safety concerns. The emergency accommodation program, funded entirely by Airbnb.org and its supporters, ensures that displaced individuals and families have a safe place to stay in Athens.
According to the municipal authority, those in need of temporary housing should call 1595 (charges vary by provider) to submit their request. The Municipality of Athens will coordinate the accommodation process, offering guidance and support in securing housing through Airbnb.org. Importantly, only bookings made through this official process are eligible for free stays; independently arranged accommodations will not be covered.
Eligible families will receive an email from Airbnb.org with housing credits, which can be used to book free stays for an initial period of ten days in available Airbnb accommodations.
(Source: Amna)
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AND — Santorini Shaken by 16,900 Earthquakes Since January 26 —
– Sarajevo Times (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – February 17, 2025 –
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The Greek island of Santorini was hit by three earthquakes this morning, according to the Geodynamic Institute in Athens.
The first earthquake, measuring 4.2, was recorded at 10:55 p.m. local time last night, the second, measuring 4.5, at 1:08 a.m., while the strongest, measuring 5.1, was registered just before 10 a.m.
The epicenter of the latest earthquake was located 18 kilometers east of Fira, the capital of Santorini, and the tremors were felt in the wider Attica region, including the Greek capital, Athens.
The earthquakes are part of a continuous seismic activity that has lasted since January 26, 2025, during which more than 16,900 earthquakes stronger than one on the Richter scale have been recorded.
Due to continued seismic activity, a state of emergency has been declared on several islands in the region, including Santorini and Amorgos, which will remain in effect until March 14.
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LENGTHY ARTICLE For those who are interested
— ‘These are purely volcanic earthquakes,’ expert says about Santorini tremors —
– Türkiye Today – By Selin Hacialioglu • Feb 17, 2025 – 5:59 PM –
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EXCERPT – Greek experts are closely monitoring ongoing tremors in the Aegean Sea, warning that continued seismic activity could be linked to increased volcanic movement beneath Santorini.
While the possibility of a larger earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption remains uncertain, scientists emphasize the need for preparedness as the region remains active.
Scientists warn that these are not just tectonic tremors but volcanic earthquakes, signaling potential magma movement beneath Santorini.
– When was the most recent earthquake in Santorini? –
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck early on Feb. 17, in the sea between Santorini and Amorgos, making it the strongest recorded tremor of the day.
The quake followed a 4.5-magnitude tremor at 1:08 a.m. and a 4.2-magnitude tremor at 10:55 PM on Feb.16
The seismic activity was felt strongly in Attica, raising concerns among experts and residents
The biggest earthquake recorded since the beginning of late January has been 5.3-magnitude
– Experts explain link between ongoing seismic swarms, volcanic activity near Santorini –
Seismologists have been closely monitoring the area because of a sharp increase in earthquake frequency over recent weeks.
The National Observatory of Athens’ Geodynamic Institute reported that more than 16,900 earthquakes of at least 1.0 magnitude have occurred in the region between January 26 and February 14.
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FYI — SANTORINI EARTHQUAKES LIVE —
– SANTORINI EARTHQUAKES –
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– What is going on? –
In the past few days, the picturesque island of Santorini, officially known as Thira, has experienced an intense swarm of earthquakes. Over 200 seismic events have been recorded, with many registering magnitudes above 4.5 on the Richter scale, ocurring every few minutes. This activity is linked to a fault line between Santorini and Amorgos, a geological feature in the region known for its seismic volatility. The ongoing earthquake swarm has prompted emergency measures, including school closures, evacuation plans, and heightened alert for potential geological hazards – σεισμός σαντορίνη
— Latest Earthquakes in the Europe Region —
(With LIST of all 4.0+ Quakes in the ‘DODECANESE ISLANDS, GREECE’ from 25 Jan – 17 Feb)
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P.S. @ —https://santoriniearthquakes.com/ —
FYI — GREEK SEISMOLOGIST HOPES KOLUMBO VOLCANO MAGMA RISE MODERATE, NOT VIOLENT —
– Greece High Definition – February 16, 2025 –
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Seismic tremors persist between Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi in the Cyclades, fueling concerns over the Kolumbo submarine volcano. Although earthquake intensity has decreased over the past two days, prominent Greek seismologist Akis Tselentis remains cautious, noting that seismic activity continues.
Tselentis, who recently resigned from Greece’s earthquake risk assessment board due to political interference in scientific matters, addressed the situation on social media Sunday morning, sharing scientific data visualizations. He urged a flexible, open-minded approach to science, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and avoiding premature conclusions.
Despite a decline in noticeable tremors, Tselentis confirmed ongoing seismic activity at lower magnitudes. He cautioned against dismissing the threat too soon, responding to claims by local business owners and politicians who suggested the crisis had passed.
Current data show no activation of Santorini’s two major volcanic systems, Nea Kameni and Kolumbo. However, magma movement beneath the surface indicates rising pressure. It remains uncertain whether an eruption could occur near the uninhabited islet of Anydro—20 nautical miles northeast of Santorini—or directly from the Kolumbo volcano.
Tselentis also considered whether recent eruptions at Italy’s Etna and Stromboli might relieve geological pressure in the region. Looking ahead, he expressed hope for mild lava flows rather than explosive activity if an eruption does occur.
He also warned of a lingering risk from the Amorgos fault, which caused a devastating earthquake in 1956. Although seismic activity in the area has decreased, the possibility of a magnitude 6.0 tectonic event cannot be ruled out.
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– SEE ALSO — SANTORINI EARTHQUAKES LINKED TO VOLCANIC ACTIVITY, EXPERT WARNS —
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– Greece High Definition – February 16, 2025 –
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FYI — Greek premier sees Santorini tremors as unprecedented —
– Yahoo! News – DPA International (Germany) – Sun, February 16, 2025 at 6:18 AM CST –
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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sees the persistent tremors hitting the Aegean island of Santorini as “unprecedented” in a post published on Facebook on Sunday.
Citing seismologists, Mitsotakis said it was difficult to predict how the tremors would proceed. “They are monitoring it minute by minute and evaluating the data day by day,” he said.
The state was taking all the recommended measures, Mitsotakis added.
Mitsotakis has instructed all schools on Santorini, Anafi, Ios and Amorgos to remain closed up to Friday at the earliest and has called on all residents to heed the safety guidelines and to avoid indoor gatherings in particular.
They should also not enter deserted or unstable buildings.
Repeated tremors over recent days were succeeded by a continuous tremor on Friday night lasting several hours. Seismologists believe that subterranean liquid magma is causing the phenomenon but remain unsure.
Most residents have left. Those remaining hear a virtually persistent low drone, described as a long-duration harmonic volcanic tremor.
Santorini is part of a large ancient caldera formed by a massive volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago.
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FYI — Seismic Activity Reaches Ios, Now in a State of Emergency —
– argophilia – Kostas Raptis – February 15th, 2025 – 02:06 pm –
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Ios joins Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi in declaring a state of emergency due to ongoing seismic activity.
Landslides in Amorgos prompt safety warnings and assessments by authorities.
Emergency response measures include possible school closures and risk evaluations. Local initiatives aim to support students amid the crisis.
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Nature’s Fury Hits Ios and Amorgos
– Ios, famed for its serene beauty and vibrant life, now wears a grim shadow. Mounting seismic activity has plunged it into chaos, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. Already on edge from tremors, the neighbouring islands—Santorini, Anafi, and Amorgos—are caught in the same storm of shifting earth and cracked certainty. As survivors brace for what might come next, the clock ticks toward March 14, 2025, the temporary deadline for this unsettling declaration. A month might pass. But will this unease ever leave entirely?
– The General Secretariat for Civil Protection, led by Vasileios Papageorgiou, issued an urgent statement. It confirms what locals suspected: those rumbles underfoot aren’t just a bad dream. They’re here. And they’re disrupting every layer of the community. Streets, households, and lives hang suspended, caught between fear of further aftershocks and the desperate need to rebuild—fast. Schools, livelihoods, and transportation all sit at the mercy of geological turbulence.
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Amorgos: Landslides Cut Deep Into Life
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AND — Ios declared a state of emergency due to earthquakes in Cyclades —
— Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi have already been declared in a state of emergency —
– Proto Thema – Newsroom – February 14 – 08:11 –
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– Ios has also been declared a state of emergency, following Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi, due to seismic activity in the maritime area of the Cyclades.
– Scientists remain on alert, despite a recent decrease in seismic activity between Santorini and Amorgos. On Sunday, February 16, two committees (the Permanent Scientific Committee for the Assessment of Seismic Risk and Mitigation of Seismic Hazard and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Hellenic Volcanic Arc of OASP) are expected to meet to discuss the seismic activity in the area around Anydros.
– In Amorgos, landslides have been reported, with the local municipality placing special signage for vehicle passage. On Monday, the Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mining Research will assess the risk levels in various parts of the island.
– According to ERT, the governor from Naxos is expected on Saturday for an on-site assessment of the situation in cooperation with the Municipality of Amorgos. At the same time, the relevant committee will meet to discuss the possibility of extending the school closures for the following week. … –
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FYI — Earthquake sequence between Santorini Amorgos Islands since January the 27th 2025 —
– Last update: 14 February 2025 at 07:53 UTC –
– EMSC-CSEM – https://www.emsc-csem.org/Special_reports/?id=351 –
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Earthquake details
– A major seismic crisis has been affecting the Santorini-Amorgos region since 27 January. To date, more than two thousand earthquakes with magnitudes up to 5.3 have been recorded and 11 earthquakes have a magnitudes greater or equal to 5.0. These earthquakes are concentrated about 25 kilometers northeast of Santorini and 25 kilometers southwest of Amorgos islands. Since Ferbruary 12th, the seismicity has decreased as shown in the figure 4.
– More than 10,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated from the island of Santorini.
– We understand that this is not an easy situation for the people of the region, so please listen to the Greek authorities and be aware that, as usual, many people are making nosense statements on social media. Stay safe.
– If you felt these earthquakes, please share your experience with us. Your testimony will be useful to update the Intensity map here below, where the felt intensities represent the effects of the earthquake over the impacted area
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Maps (See Article) … –
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AND — The earthquakes in Santorini continue with milder tremors
– The Seismic Assessment Committee meets tomorrow
— “We see a decline in seismic activity”, stresses Vassilis Karastathis —
– Proto Thema – Newsroom – February 14 – 08:49 –
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– A relative calm prevails in the wider Santorini area, as the tremors that are occurring are of lesser intensity.
– Yesterday, there were a few earthquakes measuring 4 on the Richter scale, while the largest earthquake was a 3.5 on the Richter scale at dawn on Thursday. ** NOTE – See next ‘Comment’ **
– The Director of the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, Vassilis Karastathis, spoke to MEGA about the earthquakes and the evolution of the phenomenon.
– “There is a gradual decline,” he said initially.
– “We are seeing a decline in seismicity. If this holds for 4-5, then things will be more optimistic,” he said, among other things. “Less tension in Santorini than in other areas,” he added.
– Professor of seismology Akis Tselentis said it would be “lucky” to have a 6 magnitude earthquake – and 7 as a very, very low probability.
– Slowly the residents are returning to the island in order to resume their activity.
– “At first I thought it was almost certain that it would be a 6.”
– Commenting on the developments, Dimitris Papanikolaou, Professor Emeritus of Geology, stresses:
– “At the moment we expect this activity to continue, regardless of the individual fluctuations in both magnitude and frequency, and we are always waiting to see if this activity will be able to activate the Anydros fault, which has a potential of about 6, to see if and when the situation will be relieved. If the fault is activated, we expect it to vent much more quickly, within a couple of weeks, but as long as it doesn’t vent and this situation continues, it’s very likely that we’ll be pulling into Easter, maybe even after Easter with these 5s.”
– For a possible earthquake of 6 magnitude, it says:
– “At first I thought it was almost certain to be a 6, when we had not yet realised that it is not a completely ordinary process of tectonic deformation, but we saw that it is tectonomagnetic.”
– “Here we have ‘x-rayed’ the area, we know the area underwater very well, we have drilled deep wells. (…) We cannot have a better radiography in one place. Here we have the many small faults and we also have the big one of Andros, if we stay in the area where we currently have the earthquakes,” he adds.
– “On the issue of the magnitude, I stick to the very specific estimate that we can make based on the maps and the subsea data and I think that 6, 6.1 is indeed the representative magnitude that could be made,” he stresses, noting:
– “There is no question of volcanic activity.”
– It should be noted that the Seismic Risk Assessment Committee meets again tomorrow, Saturday.
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** NOTE **
— As of Today – Friday, 14 Feb 2025 @ 18:15 (UTC) —
The report by – USGS Earthquake Hazards Program – Latest Earthquakes Worldwide –
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On Thursday, 13 Feb 2025 — Dodecanes Islands Greece —
=> TWO (2) reported Quakes of Magnitude 4.0+ <=
@ 15:42:21 – Mag 4.7 = 1
@ 15:40:07 – Mag 4 .2 = 1
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** NOTE **
— As of Today – Saturday, 15 Feb 2025 @ 17:10 (UTC) —
The report by – USGS Earthquake Hazards Program – Latest Earthquakes Worldwide –
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On Friday, 14 Feb 2025 — Dodecanes Islands Greece —
=> ONE (1) reported Quake of Magnitude 4.0+ <=
@ 20:18:56 – Mag 4.3 = 1
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AND — Strong 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Mount Athos in Greece —
– Greek Reporter – By Philip Chrysopoulos – February 15, 2025 –
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EXCERPTS — A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook Mount Athos in northeastern Greece late on Saturday afternoon, generating concern following the continuous tremors on Santorini in the past weeks. … —
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— Santorini continues to be on alert —
Scientists are concerned whether the Mount Athos tremors are related top the Santorini earthquakes. Meanwhile, people on Santorini continue to be on alert for new, stronger tremors as the island is declared to be in a state of emergency. Likewise, nearby Cyclades islands Ios, Amorgos and Anafi are also in a state of emergency as earthquakes continue in the Santorini-Amorgos zone.
The Seismology Laboratory of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on Friday reported new data on the earthquakes that have been shaking the Cyclades islands since January 26, when the phenomenon officially began.
As stated in the announcement of the NKUA, from January 26 to February 12, over 17,500 earthquakes were detected in the Cyclades, of which 15,400 were greater than 1 point on the Richter scale.
On February 12, 1,000 earthquakes were recorded, with 190 of them having a magnitude above 2.5 Richter, 16 of them above 4 Richter and 5 above 4.5 Richter.
The largest earthquake of that day reached 5.0 Richter.
On February 13, there was a significant decrease in the number of earthquakes, with just over 100 recorded. Two of them had a magnitude of over 4 on the Richter scale, while the two strongest tremors occurred in the afternoon of that day with a magnitude of 4.4 on the Richter scale.
“A general decrease in the number and magnitude of earthquakes is observed,” the National Academy of Sciences of Greece said in a statement.
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** NOTE **
— As of Today – Sunday, 16 Feb 2025 @ 12:40 (UTC) —
The report by – USGS Earthquake Hazards Program – Latest Earthquakes Worldwide –
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On Saturday, 15 Feb 2025 — Dodecanes Islands Greece —
=> ZERO (0) reported Quakes of Magnitude 4.0+ <=
AND — Santorini: Over 17,500 earthquakes since 26 January
– A drop in the number and magnitude of tremors is observed
— What the Interdisciplinary Risk and Crisis Management Committee of EKPA Reports —
– Proto Thema – Newsroom – February 14 – 04: 40 –
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– Over 17,500 earthquakes have been recorded since the beginning of seismic activity in the Santorini-Amorgos region, from January 26 to February 12, 2025, as reported by the Interdisciplinary Risk and Crisis Management Committee of EKPA.
– According to the Committee’s announcement, the Seismology Laboratory (SL) of EKPA (http://dggsl.geol.uoa.gr/) has detected and identified over 17,500 selected earthquakes using machine learning methods (artificial intelligence), with more than 15,400 of them having magnitudes greater than or equal to M³1.0.
– On February 12, over 1,000 earthquakes were recorded, with approximately 190 having magnitudes of M³2.5, 16 earthquakes with M³4.0, and 5 earthquakes with M³4.5, the largest earthquake having a magnitude of 5.0. According to the daily seismic data analysis from the Seismology Laboratory of EKPA, on February 13, more than 100 earthquakes were recorded, including 2 with magnitudes M≥4.0 and none (0) with M≥4.5. The two strongest earthquakes, with a magnitude of 4.4, occurred at 17:40:09 and 17:42:22 (local time).
– The distribution of the epicenters is mainly confined to an area of 10-12 km in length, southwest of Anydros, where the strongest earthquakes have been located. On February 13, no outbursts of continuous microseismicity, lasting about 1-2 hours, were observed, which had been common throughout the previous period. In general, a decrease in both the number and magnitude of earthquakes is observed.
*** In the article ***
— Map of earthquake distribution in the Cyclades region (Santorini-Amorgos-Ios) recorded on February 12 (analysis using artificial intelligence) and February 13 (daily analysis). —
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—————————————-
AND — Latest quakes in or near Greece in the past 24 hours on Friday, February 14 , 2025
– list, stats and map —
– Volcano Discovery – Crete | Dodecanese Islands & SW Turkey | Evia –
– Updated: Feb 14, 2025 19:32 GMT –
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In the past 24 hours, Greece has had 845 quakes of magnitudes up to 4.0 :
1 quake above magnitude 4
55 quakes between magnitude 3 and 4
449 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
340 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don’t feel.
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INFO — Santorini Alert: Can We Trust the Science or the Officials? —
– argophilia – Phil Butler – February 8th, 2025 – 10:29 am –
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— EXCERPTS —
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What if the Santorini situation becomes one of those rearview mirror events the geniuses in charge are flawless in analyzing after things go violently wrong? Take the earthquake swarms offshore of the volcanic island. The tremors have prompted a state of emergency, but many volcanologists and geologists are urging calm. Calm. Let’s look at a few reasons for alarm instead of minimizing events that might upend the Eastern Mediterranean.
Suppose we look at the “calm” that was in place months, weeks, and days before a magnitude 6.0 earthquake destroyed people’s lives and properties in and around Arkalochori in central Crete – Well. In that case, Santorini locals evacuating to steadier ground seems much more reasonable than assuming ongoing earthquake swarms off an island are just growing pains. Thera, or Santorini as it is called today, once produced the most destructive volcanic event in human recollection. Let me quote a report from HAL Science on the Arkalochori earthquake to help make my point. … –
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If this sounds like the babblings of someone who just does not know, you are in the same boat as me. Returning to the current situation, we find that the earthquake swarm northeast of the island of Santorini continues and has been intensifying, with more than 2000 quakes recorded in the past 48 hours (graphic above). Simultaneously, the latest satellite-based radar measurements of the surface of the Santorini island group show that some inflation has affected the volcanic complex since the start of the seismic crisis that began some days ago. You may be asking the question, “Why is this significant?” Well, my American countrymen and an extreme case in point is the gigantic bulb of magma that burst like a balloon from hell out of Mt. St. Helens active stratovolcano in Oregon back in 1980. Some “experts” in Greece are announcing a “minor” ground uplift along the whole Santorini island group, which they say “may” indicate volcanic unrest.
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AND — Greek island of Santorini experiences seismic tremor lasting hours —
– Yahoo! News – dpi international – Sat, February 15, 2025 at 4:03 AM CST –
— The seismograph of the earthquake monitoring station registers swings. The earth to the north-east of the Greek island of Santorini was shaken by more than 14,000 tremors within two weeks, according to data from the University of Athens. Oliver Berg/dpa —
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A continuous tremor has been recorded around the Greek island of Santorini in the southern Aegean Sea, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported.
“There is a more or less continuous tremor in the area of Santorini. It seems that nothing can be seen (but it is night time) but that some noise can be heard,” the EMSC posted on X on Friday evening.
“We do not know for sure what is going on,” it added. The tremor lasted for several hours according to graphs shown in the post.
The seismologists believe that subterranean liquid magma is causing the phenomenon but remain unsure. The movements could be taking place in the Earth’s crust but were not necessarily an indication of an eruption, they said.
Athanassios Ganas, head of research at the Athens Geodynamics Institute, told the To Proto Thema newspaper: “These are multiple microquakes that are presumably caused by the movement of volcanic liquids.”
The area to the north-east of Santorini has been experiencing tremors for weeks, and many of the island’s residents have left.
Seismologist have thus far seen no indication of a pending major eruption.
Evi Nomikou, geologist from the University of Athens, posted on Facebook that similar tremors had been recorded in 2011 and 2012 without serious consequences.
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AND — Santorini earthquakes linked to volcanic activity, experts warn of ongoing eruption phase —
– Proto Thema – Newsroom – February 15 – 11:59 –
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EXCERPT — Santorini, Greece – Seismic activity that shook the Santorini-Antikythera region on Tuesday night was identified by experts as stemming from volcanic forces, not tectonic ones, signaling a rise in magma beneath the island’s surface, according to Professor Costas Synolakis, a leading expert on natural disasters. He called for a broader meeting with international specialists to better assess the ongoing volcanic risks.
“The earthquakes we recorded last night were of a distinct type, signaling that volcanic magma is rising,” Synolakis told ERT. “Although the tremors stopped within about an hour and a half, it was clear that these were volcanic in nature.”
The professor added that the seismic activity was part of what experts refer to as a “volcanic swarm,” which, according to seismologists, produced significant noise, indicating magma movement. “At this point, we need a broader meeting with international experts who have experience in similar volcanic situations,” Synolakis continued. “We can’t rely solely on the experiences of 2011. We need to compare this with dozens of other cases to understand where this might be heading.”
While the recent seismic activity has subsided somewhat, Synolakis stressed that the changing nature of the tremors warranted a reevaluation of the situation. “The quick change in the nature of these tremors – becoming clearly volcanic – means we need to reconsider the phenomenon,” he explained.
Regarding future developments, Synolakis said two potential outcomes are possible: the magma could either form a small volcanic cone or trigger a larger earthquake.
— Magma Rising to the Surface —
The professor reiterated his earlier assessment that the earthquakes likely have a volcanic rather than tectonic origin. “We are close to a volcano that is in an active phase,” he said. “The shifts and quakes are indicative of magma rising toward the surface, causing the fractures in the earth’s crust.”
Asked whether the phenomenon might subside, Synolakis acknowledged that it could, pointing out that similar events had been observed before. “However, we must also evaluate other parameters, such as ground deformations, measurements of the seabed, and volcanic gases.”
When asked if the activity could persist until Easter, Synolakis said, “Only the Earth knows. If the seismicity continues to decrease next week, we’ll be able to draw more confident conclusions.”
— A New Phase for the Volcano —
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— A Return to Normalcy, for Now —
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— Monitoring Ongoing Volcanic Activity —
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— >Related articles —
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AND — Santorini Earthquakes are Entirely Volcanic, Expert Says —
– greekreporter – By Philip Chrysopoulos – February 15, 2025 –
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AND — New earthquakes in Santorini point to new volcanic crater, experts say —
– Türkiye Today – By Selin Hacialioglu • Feb 14, 2025 – 4:45 PM –
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EXCERPTS –
Santorini has been experiencing ongoing seismic activity, raising concerns among scientists about potential volcanic developments.
While some experts remain cautious, others suggest that the island might be witnessing the formation of a new volcanic crater near the uninhabited islet of Anydro.
– Earthquakes in Santorini raise concerns about volcanic movements –
Over the past two weeks, more than 16,500 tremors have been recorded in the region between Santorini and Amorgos. While most of these have been minor, several earthquakes have exceeded 4.0 on the Richter scale.
The Director of the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, Vasilis Karastathis, stated that there has been a gradual decrease in seismic intensity. “If this trend continues for another four to five days, the situation will be more optimistic,” he said.
Despite this, the ongoing earthquakes in Santorini have raised questions about its connection to volcanic movements beneath.
According to geologist Avraam Zelilidis, “The Kolumbo volcano and the Kameni islands are not showing significant signs of activity, which suggests that the current seismic events may be linked to the formation of a new volcanic crater beneath Anydro.”
– Experts debate the risk of volcanic eruption following ongoing tremors in Santorini –
Evi Nomikou, a geologist and professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, has urged continuous monitoring of Santorini’s volcanoes. She compared the current situation to similar activity observed in 2011 but stated that a major undersea eruption remains unlikely at this stage.
“Fluid movements are shifting some currents, which has led to discussions about an underwater eruption away from Santorini. However, this remains just a scenario,” she clarified.
Meanwhile, volcanologist Giorgos Vougioukalakis emphasized:
– Santorini’s two active volcanoes—Kameni inside the caldera and Kolumbo offshore—are under constant observation.
– The Kameni islands have shown slight unrest since July, but this is separate from the seismic activity at Anydro.
– No earthquakes have been recorded in Kolumbo’s volcanic field, reinforcing the argument that current events may not be directly related to previous volcanic activity.
– Possible future scenarios for earthquakes in Santorini, volcanic activity –
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– Scientists continue to monitor the ongoing seismic events in Santorini –
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AND — POSSIBLE VOLCANIC EXCITATION IN SANTORINI IN THE LAST HOURS
– WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY —
– Greece High Definition – February 15, 2025 –
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The scientists of the Centre speak of increased seismic activity that may be due to magma movement in the area of Andros
The area of Santorini has been experiencing increased seismic activity in recent hours, with the recording of harmonic vibrations indicating possible volcanic excitation, according to the European Seismological Network.
These tremors may be due to the movement of magmatic fluids in the seismogenic space of the Anudros.
See the post from the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre:
– EMSC @LastQuake · Follow
It is confirmed. There is a more or less continuous tremor in the area of #Santorini. It seems that nothing can be seen (but it is night time) but that some noise can be heard. We do not know for sure what is going on –
As experts point out to protothema.gr, similar phenomena have been observed in the past, such as in 2011-2012, without leading to a volcanic eruption.
Experts recommend calm, as the movement of fluids may stop in the coming days.
Professor of Geological Oceanography, Evi Nomikos, says that “nature determines the breathing of our planet, which is volcanoes; we just watch them.”
Source: Protothema.gr
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INFO — GREEK SEISMOLOGIST CRITICIZES AUTHORITIES OVER ILLEGAL BUILDING AND CORRUPTION ON SANTORINI —
– Greece High Definition – February 15, 2025 –
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Prominent Greek seismologist Akis Tselentis has sharply criticized those responsible for illegal construction around Santorini’s caldera. Tselentis, who recently resigned from Greece’s earthquake risk assessment board, citing political interference in scientific matters, voiced his concerns on social media as the island continues to experience seismic activity for the second consecutive week.
In his statement, Tselentis condemned developers for “recklessly excavating the unstable Theraic ground in restricted areas,” referring to the steep cliffs surrounding Thira, Santorini’s capital. He also accused local authorities of ignoring widespread unauthorized construction and claimed that a “code of silence” protects contractors profiting from these illegal expansions.
– AUTHORITIES TURN A BLIND EYE TO DANGEROUS CONSTRUCTION –
Tselentis painted a grim picture of unregulated development in one of Greece’s most earthquake-prone regions:
“Illegal construction is happening blatantly—perhaps even with the authorities’ tacit approval—while they pretend to look the other way. The island’s unique landscape conceals violations, and meanwhile, an ‘omertà’ [code of silence] exists among developers benefiting from these unlawful projects.”
A photo shared with his post allegedly reveals extensive underground excavations in Santorini’s Caldera, with abandoned construction equipment left on-site, despite ongoing seismic activity.
According to Tselentis, labor costs for these illegal projects are double the standard rates, while concrete prices soar to 600-700 euros per cubic meter, compared to the usual 400 euros for legal construction.
– IGNORING RISKS FOR PROFIT –
Tselentis warned that this reckless pursuit of profit disregards the dangers of building in a region marked by two active volcanoes and a nearby seismic fault—responsible for a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake and a 25-meter tsunami in 1956.
He also claimed that urban planning officials, when questioned, justified their lack of action by citing seismic risks, arguing that inspections were impossible due to continuous tremors.
“Who are you trying to fool?” Tselentis demanded. “This lawlessness began long before the recent seismic activity! How long will this impunity continue? And what is the municipality doing—actively enabling this corruption?”
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AND — Greece announces measures to support businesses on quake-hit islands —
– The Peninsula (Qatar) – World/Europe
– Published: 16 Feb 2025 – 02:35 pm | Last Updated: 16 Feb 2025 – 02:36 pm
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Athens: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Sunday announced economic support measures for businesses and employees in Santorini and nearby islands rattled by thousands of earthquakes recorded since the end of January.
Athens University recorded more than 14,000 tremors between January 26 and February 9 at sea between the islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Ios and Anafi.
The activity has baffled scientists but has so far caused no damage or injuries.
A businessman from Santorini, speaking on Skai TV on Sunday, said the island’s tourism industry is already being damaged.
“At this time of the year, all the shops were full of people coming with the cruises. Now, which company will take the responsibility to bring a cruise ship close to the island?” he said.
Santorini attracted about 3.4 million visitors in 2023, with upwards of a million of those from cruise ships, making it one of Greece’s most visited spots.
Mitsotakis in a social media post acknowledged that the tremors “cause financial damage to workers and businesses”, announcing “special measures” to support them.
He said that all private sector businesses operating on Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, which has also declared a state of emergency, can suspend salary payments from February 1 to March 3, 2025.
“Employees whose employment contracts are suspended will receive a special-purpose compensation of 534 euros, corresponding to 30 days,” he added, provided their employers pledge to maintain job levels.
“We will stand by our islanders as long and as much as necessary”, he concluded.
The prime minister also announced that “schools in Thira, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until Friday, February 21”. The schools first closed two weeks ago.
The majority of Santorini’s nearly 16,000 residents have left the island.
Amorgos, which has fewer than 2,000 permanent inhabitants, is considered less at risk owing to its rockier terrain and less dense construction than Santorini.
Santorini lies atop a dormant volcano which last erupted in 1950.
Scientists say that the region has not experienced seismic activity on this scale since records began in 1964.
Last Monday, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni discussed the strategy and best measures for dealing with the emerging challenges for the tourism sector during a meeting with island groups and associations.
“Santorini is an iconic Greek tourism destination and it is our priority to ensure its stability and competitiveness”, she said.
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INFO — Santorini: Increased ground deformation in the wider area, earthquake sequence in decline —
— The seismic activity in the area of Anydorfos Island is due to a combination of tectonics and deeper magmatism – What the Ministry of Civil Protection’s statement says after the meeting of the two Committees on earthquakes —
– Proto Thema – Newsroom – February 16 – 04:16 –
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EXCERPT — The seismic sequence in the sea area of Andros, between Santorini and Amorgos, as determined by the scientists of the two Commissions, shows a relative lull, namely the Standing Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Seismic Risk Reduction and the Standing Scientific Committee for the Monitoring of the Greek Volcanic Arc of the OASP, convened by the President of the OASP, Ethymis Lekkas.
According to the two committees, which met at the Ministry of Political Protection in the presence of Vassilis Kikilias, the current seismic activity in the area “is due to submarine faults with a NE-SW direction and is part of the broader geodynamic context of the region. According to the available data, this activity is due to a combination of tectonic and deeper magmatism.”
The scientists also say that “seismic activity within the caldron remains at the same levels, while there is increased ground deformation in the wider Santorini area, which is continuously monitored”.
– A detailed statement issued by the Ministry of Civil Protection: –
This morning the President of the OASP, Professor Efthimios Lekkas, reconvened a joint meeting of the two Committees (the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Seismic Risk Reduction and the Permanent Scientific Committee for the Monitoring of the Greek Volcanic Arc of the OASP).
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, in the presence of Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Deputy Minister Evangelos Tourna and Secretary General of Civil Protection Vassilis Papageorgiou, the Secretary General for Natural Disaster Recovery and State Relief Petros Kabouris, the Commander of the Construction and Disaster Response Command (DIKAFKA) of the General Staff of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Michael Kluvas, as well as representatives of the Fire Brigade leadership.
After discussion among the members of the Committees and the presentation and examination of all the data so far, the following are unanimously formulated:
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AND — Santorini Earthquakes Disrupt Cruise Ship Traffic, Raise Concerns for Tourism Season —
– Greek City Times – GREEK NEWS – GREECE TRAVEL – TRAVEL NEWS – TRAVEL TIPS
– 17 FEBRUARY 2025 –
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A series of earthquakes that have rattled Santorini and surrounding islands for the past two weeks is causing significant disruption to the cruise ship industry and raising concerns about the upcoming tourist season.
Cruise lines are diverting ships to alternate ports, including Chania and Heraklion in Crete, as well as Syros and islands in the Dodecanese.
The tremors have sparked safety concerns, prompting local and national authorities to restrict access to parts of the caldera, a major tourist attraction. This decision has had a ripple effect on the cruise industry, with companies altering itineraries to avoid Santorini altogether. According to Theodoros Kontes, honorary president of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Agents (EEKFN) and director of Majestic International Cruises INC, the ongoing seismic activity has worried both passengers and insurance companies, particularly regarding the safety of embarkation/disembarkation procedures in the caldera, which often involve cable cars or mules.
Beyond the immediate disruption, there is growing anxiety about the broader impact on Santorini’s tourism sector. The island, typically the second most popular cruise destination in Greece after Piraeus, welcomes over 1.3 million tourists annually. The earthquakes come as businesses prepare for the season, facing existing challenges such as labor shortages. Mr. Kontes expressed concern about the “neglect” of Santorini and the lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly the absence of a designated safe harbor or “port of refuge” for ships in emergencies.
He also highlighted the inherent vulnerability of the island due to its volcanic nature, arguing that building restrictions and limits on visitor numbers should have been implemented long ago to manage the carrying capacity and mitigate risks. The question now is whether tourism can rebound in time to salvage the season and minimize economic damage. The continued seismic activity leaves the future uncertain, with the potential for significant financial losses for the island’s tourism-dependent economy.
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