Earthquake Swarm Shakes Santorini, Evacuations Ordered

Santorini, a popular Greek tourist destination, is currently experiencing a significant swarm of earthquakes, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency and evacuate over 11,000 residents and tourists. More than 7,700 tremors have been recorded since late January, with some reaching magnitudes over 5.0, raising concerns about the stability of the island's volcanic cliffs and the potential for landslides. Experts warn that the seismic activity could continue for weeks, although it is not necessarily indicative of an imminent volcanic eruption. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis reassured that the volcanic activity is not unusual and posed no immediate danger, while local officials are on high alert for any potential tsunami threats. The situation has led to a sharp decline in tourism, with thousands of cancellations reported, as visitors flee the island amidst fears of further quakes. Meanwhile, Turkish authorities have issued warnings about the potential for volcanic activity due to the ongoing seismic events, although Greek officials have downplayed these claims.