Concerns have been raised due to a barrage of earthquakes in the Cyclades over the past few hours, with dozens of tremors recorded in Santorini, Amorgos, and the surrounding islands.

The Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment convened on the afternoon of Saturday (1/2) and decided to implement certain precautionary measures in Santorini for the protection of residents.

“Due to the seismic activity over the last 48 hours in the marine area between the islands of Thira and Amorgos, the President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Professor Efthymios Lekkas, convened a joint session of the two Committees (the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc of OASP).

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, attended by Minister Vasilis Kikilias, Deputy Minister Evangelos Tournas, the Secretary General for Civil Protection, Vasilis Papageorgiou, and the leadership of the Fire Department.

After thoroughly reviewing all available data, the Committees unanimously concluded:

1. The seismic activity within the Caldera has subsided.
2. Over the last 24 hours, there has been an increased seismic sequence recorded in the area of Anydro, between Thira and Amorgos, with a maximum magnitude of 4.3. This seismic activity is not related to volcanic activity but is caused by underwater faults running in a NE-SW direction.

The Committees recommend the following precautionary measures:

• Schools will remain closed on Monday, 03/02/2025.
• Residents should avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
• Access to and presence in the ports of Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira should be avoided.

If deemed necessary, another meeting will be scheduled accordingly.

Regarding public information on earthquake protection measures, guidelines can be found on the websites of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (www.oasp.gr) and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection,” the announcement states.

Intense Seismic Activity in the Greater Santorini Area

Seismic activity has been intense in the marine area of Santorini and the surrounding islands in recent days, with dozens of small earthquakes recorded.

The most recent quake occurred at 15:29, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale. The tremor was located 35.2 km east-northeast of Thira, with a focal depth of 2 km.
Earlier, the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens announced that at 14:51, a mild earthquake of magnitude 4 was recorded, with an epicenter 22 km northeast of Thira and a focal depth of 5 km.

Aftershock activity in the region remains strong, with minor tremors ranging between 2 and 3 on the Richter scale.

Earthquake Barrage in the Cyclades

Aftershock activity remains intense, with minor tremors ranging between 2 and 3 on the Richter scale.
A 3.1-magnitude earthquake was also recorded 18 km south-southeast of Arkesini, Amorgos.

On Saturday morning, weak tremors occurred just minutes apart in both Amorgos and Santorini.

Gerasimos Papadopoulos on the Surge in Earthquakes in Santorini and Amorgos: “The Higher the Magnitude, the Higher the Risk”

Renowned seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos made a post regarding the surge of seismic tremors in these islands and the smaller ones surrounding them. Among other things, he stated, “The higher the magnitude, the greater the seismic risk.”

Gerasimos Papadopoulos’ Post

“Seismic surge in Santorini-Amorgos. Another increase in magnitudes, with a 4.1 just moments ago. The higher the magnitude, the greater the seismic risk. The generation mechanism just published by the Geodynamic Institute aligns with the view that these earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic.”