# 2025 Santorini earthquakes

The 2025 Santorini earthquakes refer to a series of seismic events that began in February 2025, on and around the Greek island of Santorini. The events prompted emergency measures across several Aegean islands and raised concerns about potential stronger seismic activity in the region.

## Tectonic setting

The Cyclades island group lies within a zone of extensional tectonics in the Aegean Sea plate, between the South Aegean Volcanic Arc to the south and the continuation of the North Anatolian Fault to the north. The extension is a result of the bulging out of the Hellenic arc due to flat-slab subduction of the African plate.

## Earthquakes

During the weekend of February 1-2, 2025, over 200 undersea tremors were detected. The epicenters were primarily in a growing cluster between the islands of Santorini, Anafi, Amorgos, Ios and the uninhabited islet of Anydros. Many of the earthquakes registered magnitudes above 4.5 on the Moment magnitude scale. The strongest earthquake of the swarm occurred on 4 February, and measured M$_w$ 5.3. While experts determined the earthquakes were tectonic rather than volcanic in nature, the pattern and frequency of seismic activity prompted significant concern among scientists and authorities. Seismologist Manolis Skordylis indicated on public radio that a seismic fault line had been activated with potential to cause an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6.0. Scientists emphasized that the main seismic event might not yet have occurred.

### Damage

One shelter collapsed, some older buildings were damaged and landslides and rockslides occurred across the island.

## Responses

Greek authorities implemented several emergency measures, which included the deployment of emergency crews and a 26-member rescue team with a rescue dog to the region. Schools were closed on Santorini, Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios. Access to areas near cliffs was restricted due to increased risk of landslides. In Fira, several gathering points for evacuation were established. Access to shorelines and certain ports, including Santorini's old port, was restricted due to tsunami risk, with residents instructed to move inland.
Greece's Minister of Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias emphasized the precautionary nature of the response. Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who spoke while in Brussels, called for calm while acknowledging the intensity of the earthquake swarm. Hotels were told to drain their swimming pools to minimize potential earthquake damage to structures. Aegean Airlines doubled its flight frequency between Athens and Santorini for a two-day period to carry out evacuations. Ferry companies increased their service frequency in response to surging demand, resulting in long queues forming at evacuation ports. Around 6,000 residents left the island by ferry beginning on 2 February, while up to 2,700 left by air from 3 to 4 February. The South Aegean Regional Fire Department was placed on general alert. A state of emergency was declared in Santorini by the Greek government on 6 February.
In Turkey, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and the Mineral Research and Exploration General Directorate (MTA) warned that the earthquakes could lead to volcanic activity around the Kolumbo volcano.