Concern about Greek vacation island: More than 21,000 earthquakes in three weeks

By Takis Tsafos

Santorini/Athens - Around 21,500 earthquakes have been recorded near the popular vacation island of Santorini in the past three weeks. This was reported by Greek radio (ERT) with reference to the University of Athens. Seismologists are now trying to assess how the phenomenon will develop and are working through various scenarios. Hoteliers and other entrepreneurs on Santorini are concerned about the approaching vacation season.

Around 21,5000 quakes were registered near Santorini.
Around 21,5000 quakes were registered near Santorini.  © Petros Giannakouris/AP/dpa

As the strength of the quakes has decreased significantly in recent days, geologists and seismologists are hoping for a gradual de-escalation of the phenomenon. However, there is no all-clear: "Of course we don't know how long it will take, but I think we are on a relatively good path," said the head of the earthquake authority Efthymios Lekkas on Greek radio.

However, scientists still cannot rule out a major quake of magnitude 6 or higher. Such a major quake could cause the seismic energy in the region to discharge all at once - unlike the swarm of weaker quakes that have occurred so far.

The government's crisis council on Santorini recently stated that in the event of such a strong quake, there is a four percent probability that up to 300 buildings on the edge of the Santorini crater could collapse. The crater of Santorini, also known as the caldera, was formed by a volcanic eruption around 3,600 years ago.

Today, houses and hotels line the edges of the steeply sloping crater rim in many places.

Tourism industry worried about quake around Santorini

The tremors on the Greek island have lessened in intensity. But their number remains high. (symbolic image)
The tremors on the Greek island have lessened in intensity. But their number remains high. (symbolic image)  © Oliver Berg/dpa

The emergency teams are ready to deal with the consequences of such an earthquake, the statement continued. In addition, the civil defense has set up exclusion zones in dangerous places, such as on the slopes of the crater.

Schools remain closed and gatherings of people are prohibited.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs on Santorini are worried about the impact of the quakes on this year's tourist season. Hoteliers agree that bookings are stagnating. There is no solution to this - except an end to the earthquakes.

"For us, the safety of visitors has priority," Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni told ERTnews.

The island of Santorini will not experience the tourism boom of recent years this summer.