Greek authorities said on Saturday that schools on Santorini and the nearby islands of Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos will remain closed at least until February 14 due to ongoing seismic activity in the area.
In a statement, the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) of the Infrastructure Ministry said the seismic sequence in the offshore area of Anydros, between Santorini and Amorgos, remains stable and is unrelated to volcanic activity at Nea Kameni, a small islet within Santorini’s caldera, or the underwater Kolumbo volcano.
On Saturday morning, a series of earthquakes above 4.5 magnitude were recorded within about 50 minutes in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos.
A 4.6-magnitude tremor struck at 10.36 a.m., followed by a 4.9-magnitude quake at 11 a.m. and another 4.6-magnitude earthquake at 11.24 a.m. In total, between 10.36 a.m. and 11.24 a.m., eight quakes were recorded, ranging from 3.9 to 4.9 magnitude.
Authorities have also restricted traffic in areas vulnerable to rockslides. Army trucks have delivered electricity generators to Santorini, while rescue teams remain on standby.
During a visit to Santorini on Friday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis inspected emergency preparedness facilities and announced a €3 million ($3.1 million) funding package to build an emergency evacuation route in the island’s southern region.