Schools on Thira, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until Friday, February 14, 2025, following a decision made by Greece’s Seismic Risk Assessment and Volcanic Monitoring Committees. The move comes as earthquake activity continues in the Cyclades, though experts stress that the seismic sequence remains stable.
According to the committees, more than 800 earthquakes above magnitude 3 have been recorded in the Anydros sea area between Thira and Amorgos since February 1, with the strongest reaching 5.2 on the Richter scale.
The current tremors are generally attributed to submarine faults running northeast-southwest and are not linked to volcanic activity at Santorini’s Kameni or the Kolumbo underwater volcano. Seismic activity within the Santorini caldera also remains low.
The committees reiterated key safety measures for residents and visitors, advising people to avoid large gatherings inside buildings, stay clear of abandoned structures, and refrain from lingering in ports such as Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfou, and the Old Port of Fira. They also recommended securing heavy objects inside homes, choosing safe routes when traveling, and being prepared to evacuate coastal areas in the event of strong shaking.
Meanwhile, a new series of tremors rattled the Cyclades on Saturday, with multiple earthquakes striking within a short span of time. A 4.9-magnitude quake hit off the coast of Amorgos at 11:00 AM, followed by a 4.1 tremor northeast of Oia at 11:15 AM. Earlier in the morning, two quakes measuring 4.6 and 4.0 were recorded south of Arkesini, Amorgos.
Despite the continued seismic activity, experts remain cautiously optimistic. Professor Efthymios Lekkas, head of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, has stated that while the region is still experiencing aftershocks, the probability of a major earthquake exceeding magnitude 6 has significantly decreased.
Greece’s seismic and volcanic risk committees will meet again on Tuesday, February 11, to reassess the situation and provide further guidance to authorities.
