Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.
Precautions were also ordered on several nearby Aegean Sea islands – all popular summer vacation destinations – after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded in the area over the past three days.
“These measures are precautionary, and authorities will remain vigilant,” Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias said late on Sunday following an emergency government meeting in Athens. “We urge citizens to strictly adhere to safety recommendations to minimise risk.”
Here’s everything you need to know if you are in Santorini or have a trip planned to the island.
Schools closed on Santorini after earthquake swarm
While Greek experts say the quakes, many with magnitudes over 4.5, are not linked to Santorini’s volcano, they acknowledge that the pattern of seismic activity is cause for concern.
The frequency of the quakes, which continued throughout Sunday night and into Monday, has worried residents.
“I have never felt anything like this and with such frequency – an earthquake every 10 or 20 minutes,” said resident Michalis Gerontakis, who is also the director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra.“Everyone is anxious, even if some of us hide it not to cause panic, but everyone is worried.”
Government officials met with scientists throughout the weekend and on Monday to assess the situation, while schools were also ordered shut on the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios.
Hotels told to drain swimming pools amid earthquake tremors
On Santorini, residents and visitors have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas where rock slides could occur.
Hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools over concerns that large volumes of water could destabilise buildings in case of a strong quake.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Santorini and the neighbouring island of Amorgos and reiterated the advice from the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection.