• Home page/Blog
    • Ancient Greece
    • Archaeology
    • Mythology
    • Architecture
    • Artefact
    • Inventions
    • Tourism
    • News
    • Science
    • General
    • Weird
    • Recipes
    • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Menu

GHD

  • Home page/Blog
  • History
    • Ancient Greece
    • Archaeology
    • Mythology
  • Art
    • Architecture
    • Artefact
    • Inventions
  • Travel
    • Tourism
  • Other
    • News
    • Science
    • General
    • Weird
    • Recipes
    • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Earthquake Swarm Shakes Greek Tourist Hotspots: What’s Going On and Why?

February 13, 2025

Amorgos Declares State of Emergency as Seismic Activity Persists

Santorini, one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, has been shaken by thousands of earthquakes since late January in what scientists call an "earthquake swarm." This ongoing seismic activity has now prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency on the nearby island of Amorgos as well.

What’s Happening?

The earthquake swarm began at the end of January, with more than 14,000 tremors recorded between January 26 and February 9, according to Athens University. The quakes have continued into February, with over 100 recorded in just one day. Most quakes have ranged in magnitude from 3 to 5, with the strongest reaching 5.2.

An earthquake swarm is a cluster of quakes with no dominant main shock. These swarms can last for days, weeks, or even months, often fluctuating in intensity and unsettling locals with intermittent shaking.

Impact on Santorini and Amorgos

The persistent seismic activity has led most of Santorini's nearly 16,000 residents to leave the island. Authorities have cordoned off certain cliff-top areas to prevent accidents due to potential rockslides. Amorgos, which has fewer than 2,000 permanent residents, is considered less vulnerable due to its rocky terrain and less dense construction compared to Santorini.

Although there have been no reports of major structural damage, minor cracks have appeared in older buildings, and some rockslides have occurred. Authorities are urging residents to avoid indoor gatherings and stay away from cliffs as a precaution.

Why Is This Happening?

The earthquakes are occurring near an undersea fault line between Santorini and Amorgos, unrelated to volcanic activity. Earthquake swarms are often linked to fluid movement within the Earth’s crust rather than a sudden, strong main shock.

Historical Context

The region is part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, which includes the active underwater volcano Kolumbo and the islet volcano Nea Kameni. In 1956, Greece's largest earthquake of the past century struck the area with a magnitude of 7.7, triggering a tsunami that killed over 50 people.

Santorini itself is the remnant of a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, known as the Minoan eruption, which drastically reshaped the island and is believed to have contributed to the collapse of the ancient Minoan civilization.

What’s Next?

Experts are uncertain about how long the earthquake swarm will last, but the head of Greece's earthquake planning authority suggests the activity could continue for weeks at the same intensity. With no immediate signs of volcanic threat, authorities remain focused on monitoring seismic patterns and ensuring public safety.

← Santorini is Rising: Scientists Stunned by Mysterious Caldera Shift Amid Relentless Quakes!Property Prices Soar on Athens Riviera Amid Unwavering Demand →
Featured
image_2025-05-28_232649618.png
May 28, 2025
Top Greek Artifacts You Must See: A Museum Guide
May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025
image_2025-05-25_041613386.png
May 24, 2025
Tell the King That Apollo’s Voice Has Gone Silent: The End of the Oracle of Delphi as Foretold by the Pythia
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
image_2025-05-25_040854357.png
May 24, 2025
The Greek-American Who Urged the Japanese to Surrender
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
image_2025-05-25_040634981.png
May 24, 2025
How Far Could the Ancient Greeks Travel by Sea?
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
image_2025-05-25_033835295.png
May 24, 2025
Inside the Palace of Knossos: A Stunning 3D Journey Through Minoan Splendor
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
image_2025-05-25_033630666.png
May 24, 2025
All the Pies the Ancient Greeks Made — And Why They Still Matter Today
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
image_2025-05-25_033521454.png
May 24, 2025
Pink Castles and Dark Tales: The Debauchery of the Franks in Medieval Greece
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
image_2025-05-25_033014889.png
May 24, 2025
The Triangular House in Corinthia Inspired by the Pythagorean Theorem That Won an International Architecture Award
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
SEE MORE

Powered by ©GreeceHighDefinition / Privacy Policy