Prominent Greek seismologist Akis Tselentis has launched a scathing critique of those involved—directly or indirectly—in illegal construction around Santorini’s caldera. Tselentis, who resigned this week from Greece’s earthquake risk assessment board, citing political interference in scientific work, took to social media on Friday as seismic activity continues to rattle the island for the second consecutive week.
In his post, Tselentis accused developers of “recklessly excavating the unstable Theraic ground in prohibited areas,” referring to the sharp and dramatic cliffs in and around the island’s capital of Thira.
He did not hold back in criticizing local authorities, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the rampant illegal expansion. He further alleged that a “code of silence” exists among contractors who profit from unauthorized developments.
Greek Authorities Look the Other Way
Tselentis’ post paints a troubling picture of unchecked construction in one of Greece’s most seismically active regions:
“Illegal construction is happening right under the nose of the authorities—perhaps even above them—while they pretend not to notice. The island’s unique topography allows violations to go unnoticed, and at the same time, there is an ‘omertà’ [a code of silence] among contractors who carry out these unlawful expansions for extra financial gain.”
A photograph accompanying his post reportedly shows the extent of underground excavations in Santorini’s Caldera, with abandoned construction tools left on-site, despite ongoing seismic activity.
According to Tselentis, labor costs in such illegal projects are twice the normal rate, while the price of concrete soars to 600-700 euros per cubic meter, compared to 400 euros for standard construction.
Blinded by Greed in a Volatile Environment
He warned that reckless profiteering ignores the inherent dangers of building in an area with two active volcanoes and a nearby seismic fault—one that triggered a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake and a 25-meter tsunami in 1956.
But perhaps the most shocking claim is that when urban planning authorities were confronted about the issue, they reportedly excused their inaction by citing seismic risks, claiming that inspections were impossible due to ongoing tremors.
“Who do you think you’re fooling?” Tselentis fumed. “This blatant lawlessness began long before the seismic activity! How far will this impunity go? And what is the municipality doing—holding the torch of corruption?”
