Following more regular seismic activity over the weekend, some Greek seismologists had expressed cautious optimism that the situation was stabilizing. However, that optimism was shattered Monday night (February 10) at 22:16, when a the strongest tremor yet—measuring 5.3 magnitude—struck off the coast of Santorini.
In the aftermath, seismologists and emergency services are once again on high alert, with experts agreeing that it is too soon to say seismic activity is stabilizing or waning.
Seismologists Weigh In on New Santorini Earthquakes
Since Monday night, multiple earthquakes have been recorded in the underwater area between Santorini and Amorgos, with magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and 5.3 on the Richter scale. According to experts, this pattern of frequent, moderate quakes fits the description of a “classic seismic swarm.”
While scientists remain divided on what these tremors indicate and what might happen next, there is a broad consensus that it is too early to conclude that activity will decline anytime soon. Several prominent Greek seismologists have shared their assessments:
🔸 Efthymios Lekkas, head of the Geodynamics Institute, describes the seismic pattern as expected for an earthquake swarm, pointing out that thousands of small and medium-sized tremors have already occurred. He notes, “We are seeing many earthquakes, frequent tremors with varying magnitudes. At this moment, over 10,000 earthquakes have been recorded. This is an unprecedented phenomenon, and we are working to understand, analyze, and assess what exactly is happening.”
🔸Athanasios Gkanas, President of the Geological Society of Greece emphasized the unusual nature of the ongoing seismic activity, stating: “Nothing about this sequence can be considered normal. It has deeply concerned us because we have never seen such a phenomenon before. What is happening is a dynamic process with fluctuations—there may be a day of relative calm, followed by a strong earthquake and then aftershocks. The phenomenon is evolving, and in my opinion, it is driven by the movement of volcanic fluids in the mid-crust at a depth of 10 to 12 kilometers. This process must continue until it stabilizes.”
🔸 Giorgos Kaviris, a seismology professor, warns that earthquake activity could persist for weeks, with tremors exceeding 4.5 magnitude and possibly reaching 5.0.
🔸 Dimitris Papanikolaou suggests that a larger earthquake—potentially up to 6.0M—could still occur, predicting that seismic activity will continue until at least Easter.
🔸 Vasilis Karastathis, Deputy Director of the Geodynamics Institute, agrees that the 5.3M earthquake is consistent with the expected pattern, emphasizing that seismic activity remains steady and has not declined.
🔸 Akis Tselentis cautions against relying solely on traditional seismological models, warning that seismic energy levels suggest the potential for even stronger activity.
Authorities Urge Caution as Seismic Risk Committee Meets
Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis reassured the public that no significant damage has been reported, but authorities remain on high alert. Schools in Amorgos will continue with remote learning as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Greece’s Seismic Risk Committee is meeting today to discuss additional safety measures and next steps.
Emergency Services Mobilized
Emergency response teams are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety. The South Aegean Fire Brigade (PE.PY.D.) remains on full alert, with eight special rescue teams (EMAK) across Greece on heightened readiness.
To reinforce Santorini’s emergency response capacity, authorities have deployed:
- 46 firefighters
- Eight fire trucks
- Seven emergency vehicles, including:
- The Olympus Mobile Command Center
- A rescue team with a search-and-rescue dog
- A drone surveillance unit
- Special operations personnel from Athens
Additional firefighting and rescue forces have also been sent to Amorgos, Naxos, Ios, Astypalaia, Thirassia, and Anafi, ensuring that emergency teams are prepared for any escalation.
Health Services Strengthened
In response to the ongoing seismic activity and Santorini earthquakes, the Greek Ministry of Health has reinforced medical infrastructure in the region. Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous traveled to Santorini to oversee operations, accompanied by the head of the 2nd Health District and the President of the National Emergency Aid Center (EKAB).
Key emergency measures include:
- Additional doctors and paramedics stationed at Santorini’s General Hospital
- Six emergency medical teams (ETIK-EKAB) on standby
- 10 ambulances and four specialized disaster-response vehicles ready for deployment
- Reinforcements for emergency medical services in Santorini, Amorgos, and Ios.
As seismic activity continues, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and follow official safety guidelines.
