Seismic activity in the Cyclades, particularly between Santorini and Amorgos, continues uninterrupted, with more than 8,900 tremors recorded so far.

Within just 30 minutes, from 4:30 to 5:00 AM on Sunday, February 9, eight earthquakes ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 magnitude were recorded, two of which reached 3.8. The strongest tremor, at 4.1 magnitude, struck at 3:35 AM, 26 kilometers northwest of Anafi, according to the Geodynamic Institute.

Experts are assessing whether the phenomenon will subside following these numerous tremors or if the area is still experiencing foreshocks, which could indicate a larger earthquake to come.

Since February 1, over 800 earthquakes above 3.0 magnitude have been recorded, with the largest reaching 5.2. As a result, thousands of Santorini residents have evacuated the island. Authorities in Athens have arranged temporary accommodations for those displaced, with families being housed in the municipal camps of Agios Andreas since Saturday morning.

Locals prepare to leave the village of Fira, as the increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 7, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki

Latest Statements from Experts

“In the last two days, the seismic activity has shown a decrease. However, it is too early to make definitive conclusions as these sequences often fluctuate. We remain cautious, as a larger earthquake cannot be ruled out. Based on current data, the sequence appears to be stabilizing, which makes us cautiously optimistic. If this trend continues, we may see a gradual de-escalation of the phenomenon,” said Vassilis Karastathis, Director of the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, speaking to MEGA channel.

Red Cross rescuers with rescue dogs map the area, as the increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 8, 2025. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas

Seismologist Kostas Papazachos, who has been appointed by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection as the official representative for earthquake committees, noted, “The magnitudes have been slightly lower over the past two days, but today we still recorded two strong tremors. This suggests that the characteristics of the sequence remain unchanged. It continues to be a sequence with frequent intermediate earthquakes. Residents can feel them, but we should not expect dramatic developments day by day.”

Dr. Athanasios Ganas, Director of Research at the Geodynamic Institute, commented, “I observe that the seismic activity rate is steady with a slight decreasing trend. This is a positive development. However, we recorded a 4.9-magnitude earthquake today, meaning we are still within the seismic swarm phase and not yet in a clear de-escalation stage.”

Abraham Zelilidis, a professor at the Department of Geology at the University of Patras and Director of the Hydrocarbon Research Institute, warned, “If the earthquakes continue, there is a risk of volcanic activity. However, as the tremors decrease, it indicates that the volcano is naturally releasing its energy.”

Schools to Remain Closed for Another Week

Following a meeting at noon, the Seismic Risk Committee decided that schools will remain closed for another week due to ongoing seismic activity, with the state of emergency remaining in effect.

Geologists and professor of tectonic geology Efthymios Lekkas asses the dangers in the village of Fira, as the increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 7, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki

Professor Evi Nomikou of the University of Athens emphasized the importance of maintaining calm, stating, “Residents must remain composed, as weak tremors occur every 10-15 minutes. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, deploying equipment both on land and at sea to gather more precise data on how the seismic sequence is evolving and the underlying mechanisms at play. According to current findings, all recorded earthquakes are tectonic, resulting from fractures in the seabed’s rock formations. We aim to determine how the tremors are propagating and pinpoint their exact epicenters.”

She added, “Due to adverse weather conditions, we have been unable to retrieve our portable underwater seismographs. Once we recover them, we will analyze microseismic activity data. Additionally, geodetic measurements are being conducted not only on Santorini but also on nearby islands to understand broader regional deformations. One conclusion we can draw for now is that this seismic sequence is unlikely to trigger a volcanic eruption.”

New Portable Seismographs in the Caldera’s Seabed

Meanwhile, scientists have installed a new seismic monitoring station in southern Thirasia, an island in the volcanic island group of Santorini formed in recent centuries by volcanic activity. According to MEGA’s sources, a team of experts will begin an operation on Monday in the Caldera’s marine area to retrieve existing seismographs and deploy two new underwater seismic monitors. Over the coming weeks, an additional eight seismographs will be placed on the island of Anydros.

Authorities and experts remain vigilant, working diligently to monitor the evolving seismic activity and ensure public safety.

Tourists Tanzeel Shafi, 35, and Saira Chaudhry, 35, enjoy the view from the village of Oia, as increased seismic activity continues on the island of Santorini, Greece, February 8, 2025. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas