Seismic activity near Santorini has entered a gradual decline, according to the University of Athens’ crisis management team. Over 20,000 earthquakes above magnitude 1.0 were recorded between January 26 and February 22, with the strongest tremor reaching 5.3. Thousands of evacuated residents have begun returning to the volcanic island cluster as experts confirm reduced daily quake counts and stabilized magma movements beneath the seabed.
Seismic activity continues to decrease both in frequency and intensity, with no new micro-seismic surges since mid-February,stated the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management.
The earthquake swarm caused temporary closures of schools and businesses across Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi. Key impacts include:
- Four weeks of disrupted education services
- Ongoing hillslope stabilization efforts
- Tourism workforce returning at 65% capacity
Mayor Nikos Zorzos emphasized the need for emergency infrastructure funding during rebuilding phases, particularly for rockfall prevention systems. While minor structural damage has been reported, Santorini’s iconic cliffside villages remain accessible to visitors. Scientists attribute the swarm to natural tectonic shifts rather than imminent volcanic activity, though continuous monitoring continues.
This seismic episode highlights Santorini’s complex geology, where the African and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Historical records show similar earthquake clusters precede most of the region’s volcanic events by several months to years, though researchers stress no current evidence suggests impending eruption risks.
