Santorini Earthquake: Evacuations Rise, Emergency Extended

Santorini, a popular Greek tourist destination, has been declared in a state of emergency due to a series of undersea earthquakes that began on January 31, with the strongest quake of 5.2 magnitude occurring on February 5. Nearly 15,000 residents and tourists have evacuated the island amid fears of landslides and potential aftershocks, while authorities have closed schools and deployed emergency services. The Greek Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry has extended the emergency status until March 3 to manage the crisis. Seismologists warn that the seismic activity, linked to a fault line responsible for a historic earthquake in 1956, could persist for weeks or even months, and may escalate further. While no major damages have been reported, the ongoing tremors have resulted in significant disruption and anxiety among the local population. The Greek government is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential larger quakes, urging residents to follow safety guidelines and remain alert.