Santorini Mayor Claims: “The Island is a Safe Destination” as a Relentless Series of Earthquakes Continues to Shake Santorini
As a relentless series of earthquakes continues to shake Santorini, concerns are growing over the island’s safety. However, Mayor Nikos Zorzos insists there is no reason for alarm, reassuring visitors and residents alike that Santorini remains a safe destination.
"This is a natural phenomenon that will pass. It cannot last forever. These tremors will eventually stop, and Santorini will return to normal," Zorzos told Greek Reporter.
Yet, seismic activity in the region remains ongoing, with scientists warning that aftershocks could continue for weeks or even months. While most experts rule out a massive earthquake exceeding magnitude 6, the island has already experienced quakes as strong as 4.9 in recent days.
Santorini’s mayor says that local authorities are fully prepared, in cooperation with the relevant ministry, to handle any emergency situation that may arise due to the quakes. Credit: Municipality of Thira Santorini
Authorities on Alert as Residents and Tourists Grow Uneasy
Zorzos emphasized that local authorities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, are fully prepared to handle any emergency. But despite these reassurances, worry is growing among locals and tourists alike.
Images circulating in the Greek media show panicked visitors and residents rushing to leave the island by plane or ferry. Many fear that the tremors could intensify or trigger landslides, as seen in past seismic events. However, Zorzos dismissed the concerns, cautioning against overreaction.
"Panic is a bad advisor," he said, suggesting that economic factors may be influencing some departures.
"It’s February, a quiet month for Santorini. Many seasonal workers stay here without jobs during this period. It’s understandable that some would prefer to leave rather than experience an ongoing natural phenomenon," he explained.
Tourism Industry at Stake Amid Ongoing Seismic Activity
With Santorini’s economy heavily reliant on tourism, the mayor is clearly aware of the potential fallout. When asked whether the earthquakes could impact the island’s multi-million-euro tourism industry, Zorzos admitted there could be consequences but remained optimistic about the upcoming season.
"Of course, this could have an impact," he said, carefully choosing his words. "But we are still early in the year, ahead of the tourist season."
Scientists Warn: The Tremors Are Not Over Yet
Despite reassurances from officials, scientists remain cautious. The earthquakes—originating from the Amorgos Fault in the southeastern Aegean—are unrelated to Santorini’s dormant volcano but still pose risks.
Dr. Efthimis Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, ruled out the possibility of a catastrophic 7.6-magnitude quake like the one that devastated Santorini in 1956. However, he warned that the fault could still produce earthquakes up to magnitude 5.5, which could cause damage to structures and pose risks to residents and tourists.
"The energy being accumulated could result in a stronger earthquake in the range of 5.0 to 5.5, but not above 6.0. All scientists agree on this," Dr. Lekkas stated.
Memories of 1956 Resurface as Uncertainty Grows
The recent tremors have revived haunting memories of the 1956 earthquake, one of the most devastating in European history. That disaster triggered a 25-meter tsunami, killed 53 people, injured over 100, and left 80% of Santorini’s buildings damaged or destroyed.
While officials insist Santorini is safe, the island’s unpredictable seismic history raises concerns about how long these tremors will last—and whether the local government is prioritizing tourism revenue over public safety.
For now, the island remains on edge, with authorities monitoring the situation while businesses hope to prevent tourists from canceling their summer plans. Whether this balancing act between safety and economy will hold remains to be seen.
