A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took place at Maximos Mansion, focusing on the recent seismic activity in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos.

Apart from the Prime Minister, the meeting was attended by Minister of Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Dimitris Choupis, Thanasis Gkanas from the Geodynamic Institute, and Professor of Natural Disasters Kostas Synolakis.

After the meeting, Vasilis Kikilias made official statements regarding the decisions taken.

“The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister has just concluded. He, like the rest of us, was briefed by our scientific team, and updates will, of course, be continuous. All data regarding seismic activity is being examined, and the measures taken so far are purely precautionary. In any case, updates will continue for everyone, and the seismic risk management committee will be meeting regularly.

I kindly urge our fellow citizens to follow expert recommendations and comply with safety measures so that we can handle the current situation effectively. We are on alert, the measures are precautionary, and the response is organized. Given that a specialized committee of scientists is in place, I would like to make a sincere appeal to everyone: let’s prioritize accurate information and allow the experts to present the facts,” he stated.

School Closures and Event Cancellations

Since Sunday morning, dozens of aftershocks measuring over 3.4 on the Richter scale have been recorded in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos. The strongest measured 3.7 and occurred at 7:29 AM.

The president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Professor Efthymios Lekkas, urgently convened a meeting of the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Hellenic Volcanic Arc. The goal was to assess the seismic activity and determine potential precautionary measures.

The Committee recommended closing schools in Santorini and avoiding large gatherings in enclosed spaces. Additionally, citizens were advised to stay away from and avoid lingering at the ports of Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira to ensure their safety in case of a stronger tremor.

Following these recommendations, the Municipality of Thira announced the implementation of these measures, urging residents to exercise caution and follow the authorities’ instructions. Scientists continue to monitor the situation to evaluate whether further actions may be necessary.

Official Statement Following the Emergency Meeting

“Due to the seismic activity observed over the past 48 hours in the sea area between the island of Thira and Amorgos, the president of OASP, Professor Efthymios Lekkas, convened a joint meeting of the two Committees (the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Hellenic 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, Secretary General for Civil Protection Vasilis Papageorgiou, and the leadership of the Fire Service.

Following a thorough examination of all available data, the Committees unanimously concluded that:

1. Seismic activity within the caldera has subsided.
2. Over the past 24 hours, an increased seismic sequence has been recorded in the area of Anydros, between Thira and Amorgos, with a maximum magnitude of 4.3. This activity is not related to volcanic activity but is caused by underwater faults running northeast-southwest.

The Committees recommend the following precautionary measures:

• Schools will remain closed on Monday, February 3, 2025.
• Citizens should avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
• Avoidance of access and lingering at the ports of Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira.

If deemed necessary, another meeting will be convened.

For public information regarding earthquake safety, guidance 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 statement reads.

Municipality of Thira Announcement

Shortly afterward, the Municipality of Thira issued a statement on the implementation of precautionary civil protection measures due to the ongoing seismic activity in the region.

The announcement states:

Subject: “Implementation of precautionary civil protection measures due to ongoing seismic activity in the Thira region.”

Decision of the Deputy Mayor of Thira, No. 27/2025

The Deputy Mayor of Thira, considering:

1. Article 58, paragraph 1 of Law 3852/2010 (Government Gazette 87/A/2010),
2. Article 75, paragraph I, section z of Law 3463/2006 (Government Gazette 114 A’/8.6.2006), which states that municipalities are responsible for coordinating and overseeing civil protection efforts to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters within their jurisdiction,
3. Decision No. 8/09.01.2024 of the Mayor of Thira on “Appointment of Deputy Mayors of Thira from 09.01.2024 to 30.06.2026” (ADA: RWBMORNKOE),
4. Urgent document No. 56/01.2.25 from the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, regarding: “Implementation of precautionary civil protection measures due to ongoing seismic activity in the Thira region.”

It is decided:

A. The suspension of operation for all educational institutions in the Municipality of Thira (including nurseries, kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools) on Monday, February 3, 2025.

B. The cancellation of all scheduled events and gatherings in enclosed spaces within the Municipality of Thira on Sunday, February 2, 2025, and Monday, February 3, 2025.

C. The avoidance of access to and lingering at Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira.

These are precautionary civil protection measures due to the ongoing seismic activity in the Thira region.