A shocking act of vandalism and theft has left a seismological station on Santorini non-functional, causing significant concern among scientists and local authorities. The station, which was set up in February 2025, was damaged by unknown individuals who stole the solar power system and batteries crucial for the station’s operation. The incident occurred late at night, and by the time the team visited the site, they discovered that the equipment had been completely removed and the station itself had been vandalized.

Kostas Papazachos, a professor of Geophysics and Seismology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, expressed his dismay at the act. He explained, “Suddenly, one night, at 11:40pm, the station stopped working. When we visited the site, we discovered that all the materials related to its power supply—solar panels, batteries, chargers—had been stolen. The station was vandalized.”

Importance of the Seismological Station

The station was installed in the southern part of Santorini to help enhance the island’s seismic monitoring capabilities, particularly focusing on the southern region. These stations are generally placed in remote areas, away from human activity, to operate independently using solar energy and batteries. According to Papazachos, such incidents of vandalism in seismic stations are rare, especially since these stations are vital for earthquake monitoring across the country.

Papazachos further noted that seismological stations are typically designed to be in areas that have minimal human presence, ensuring accurate readings of seismic activity. “We have stations installed throughout Greece without problems, and suddenly this station was destroyed. This is an extremely rare incident,” he said, highlighting the public sensitivity towards these essential monitoring tools.

The station was situated near a vacant building as the ideal location for the station due to its isolated and quiet position atop a cliff. This strategic location was chosen to minimize external disturbances and ensure better accuracy in seismic data collection.

Appeal for Public Awareness

Papazachos made a public appeal to the local community, emphasizing the importance of protecting seismic equipment. He stated, “We appeal to citizens not to disturb these machines. They help us monitor earthquakes and protect the public.” The station’s function is crucial not only for scientific research but also for disaster prevention and early warning systems for earthquakes.

While Santorini’s police authorities have responded swiftly, Papazachos emphasized that the police cannot be responsible for guarding every seismological station across the country. He called on the citizens to act with empathy and awareness about the importance of these stations for the safety and well-being of the population.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have already launched an investigation to locate the individuals responsible for the theft and vandalism. Papazachos expressed gratitude for the swift response of the police, but underscored that such incidents should not become a regular occurrence. He acknowledged the difficult nature of the situation, saying, “The police have supported us and are doing everything they can, but it’s impossible to have officers guarding every seismological station.”