In the wake of ongoing earthquakes in and around the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea, schools in the islands of Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos, which have also been affected by the intense seismic activity will remain closed as a precautionary measure until Friday, February 7, 2025, following a relevant decision by Greek authorities on Monday.

A special committee made up of seismologists and tasked with closely monitoring the situation decided during a meeting with Climate Crisis Minister Vassilis Kikilias, and heads of the fire department and the citizen’s protection general secretariat to extend school shutdowns.

According to the latest update, due to increased seismic activity in the sea area near Anydros, between Santorini and Amorgos, the President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Professor Efthymios Lekkas, convened a joint meeting of two scientific committees this afternoon. These include the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Hellenic Volcanic Arc.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, with the participation of Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Deputy Minister Evangelos Tournas, Secretary-General for Civil Protection Vasilis Papageorgiou, and representatives of the Fire Service leadership.

The statement released by the Committee stressed that the seismic frequency between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos remained notably high with 200 tremors since February 1 with measurements above the 3 Richter level.

The committee issued a set of instructions to citizens including avoiding large gatherings and steering clear of abandoned and structurally unsafe buildings; remaining on safe national routes while moving.

They are also urged to remove any flimsy construction elements from buildings such as heavy overhanging objects and false ceilings, and drain water from swimming pools.

In addition, people should avoid converging or accessing the ports of Armenis, Amoudi, Korfos and the old Fira port.