A powerful earthquake has hit the area between the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini following several days of continuous smaller tremors, causing a panic among the thousands of tourists visiting the popular destination.
The magnitude 5.2 quake hit at 9.09pm local time on Wednesday, following two smaller tremors just minutes earlier.
It is the most powerful recorded in the region in recent days, occurring at an estimated depth of 5km.
While no major damage has been reported, authorities are taking no chances.
More than 11,000 people have already left Santorini — 7,000 by ferry and 4,000 by air — amid growing fears of a larger quake.
Scientists are concerned that the ongoing seismic activity could lead to a stronger quake, possibly reaching a magnitude as high as 6, as the region continues to experience frequent aftershocks.
The Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the National University of Athens issued an urgent announcement on Wednesday, alerting that the “seismic activity in the Santorini-Amorgos area has escalated even further” between February 2 and 5.
More than 1,300 earthquakes were recorded on February 2 alone, followed by 1,400 the next day.
In total, over 6,400 tremors have rattled the area since January 26.
Scientists noted an alarming increase in quakes above magnitude 2.5, with 30 recorded in the early hours of Wednesday alone.
“It is possible that this activity stimulates the rupture of a significant part of a large active fault in the area, thus giving rise to a main earthquake,” the committee warned.
In preparation for the worst, Greek authorities have deployed emergency rescue crews, search drones, and sniffer dogs to the island.
Specialised firefighters trained in natural disasters are en route, with helicopters on standby.
The coast guard and armed forces have also been mobilised to assist vulnerable residents who wish to evacuate.
Greek Climate and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias reassured residents that emergency teams were in place.
“Units of firefighters specialised in natural disasters are being despatched to Santorini,” he said.
But as the island empties, fears of looting have surged.
Police patrols have been intensified, with roadblocks set up in the capital, Fira, to prevent break-ins.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to calm nerves at a civil protection meeting on Wednesday.
“First and foremost, the state trusts science and scientists. We have done this in other crises,” he said.
“All plans have been implemented. Forces have been moved to Santorini and the other islands, so that we are ready for any eventuality.”
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