Santorini Residents Concerned as Seismic Activity Continues

santorini, greece - Residents of Santorini are worried about the ongoing seismic activity and the potential long-term impact on the island.

Residents of Santorini Concerned About Ongoing Seismic Activity

The residents of Santorini are expressing concerns as the seismic activity that started on January 26th shows no signs of stopping. The series of earthquakes, with the largest one measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, has led to evacuations and raised fears of potential long-term effects on the island.

Government Response and Visit of Prime Minister

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared a state of emergency in Santorini until March 3rd in response to the situation. He visited the island accompanied by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, to assess the preparedness and provide reassurance to the remaining residents.

Tourism Concerns and Insurance Issues

Experts warn that the seismic activity in Santorini could last for days, weeks, or even months, causing additional worry among the residents. The impact on tourism, with approximately 3.5 million tourists visiting the island annually, is also being discussed. Greek insurance companies are refusing to issue new policies or renew existing ones for properties in Santorini, Anafi, and Amorgos, citing the high risk of earthquake damage.