Greece to Build Emergency Port on Santorini Amid Ongoing Earthquake Swarm

The Greek government has announced plans to construct a new evacuation port on the island of Santorini as seismic activity continues to rattle the region. Since late January 2025, Santorini has experienced tens of thousands of small to moderate earthquakes, raising concerns among both scientists and residents about the potential for a major event.

 Surge in Earthquakes Raises Alarm

Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic tourist destinations, is located within the active South Aegean Volcanic Arc, making it vulnerable to both earthquakes and volcanic activity. Over the past few weeks, the island has been subjected to an unusually high number of tremors, some of which were strong enough to shake buildings and temporarily disrupt daily life.

While no significant structural damage or injuries have been reported so far, authorities have taken precautionary measures, including closing schools and temporarily halting certain construction projects. Some residents have voluntarily evacuated, and businesses near the island’s cliffs have been advised to remain vigilant.

Seismologists have described the current activity as highly unusual. Unlike typical earthquake swarms, which tend to subside after a short period, Santorini’s tremors have persisted longer than expected. Scientists monitoring the situation have warned that while the quakes may not necessarily lead to a major earthquake, they could still trigger geological changes that impact the island’s infrastructure.

Government Moves to Strengthen Emergency Response

In response to growing concerns, Greece’s Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, announced that the government will construct a new escape port designed to accommodate passenger ferries in case of a necessary mass evacuation.

“The ongoing seismic activity requires us to take proactive measures,” Kikilias said in a statement. “Our priority is to ensure that residents and tourists have a safe and efficient means of leaving the island if the situation worsens.”

While Santorini already has a main port, Athinios, experts have raised concerns that in the event of a stronger quake or geological shift, access to it could become restricted. Landslides, which are a known risk in the region due to the island’s steep cliffs, could block key routes to the port, complicating evacuation efforts. The new emergency port will provide an alternative exit point to prevent bottlenecks during a crisis.

Seismic Uncertainty and Volcanic Concerns

Santorini sits on top of a complex geological system, including an active underwater caldera that has experienced several eruptions throughout history. The most infamous eruption occurred around 1600 BCE, devastating the island and contributing to the collapse of the Minoan civilization.

While scientists currently see no immediate signs of volcanic unrest, they remain cautious. “What makes this situation particularly concerning is that we are not just dealing with isolated tremors,” said a senior Greek seismologist. “The sheer volume and persistence of these earthquakes indicate significant geological movement beneath the island, and we must continue to monitor for any signs of escalating volcanic activity.”

Authorities have deployed additional monitoring equipment across Santorini to track seismic activity in real-time. Some researchers believe that the quakes could be caused by magma shifting beneath the island’s surface. However, they have emphasized that there is no imminent risk of an eruption.

Tourism and Economic Impacts

Santorini, known for its whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets, is one of Greece’s most visited islands, attracting over two million tourists annually. With the earthquake swarm making headlines, there are growing concerns about the potential economic impact.

Local businesses, particularly those in the tourism sector, have reported an increase in cancellations. Some hotels have received inquiries from worried travelers, and ferry bookings have seen a slight dip as uncertainty looms over the island’s safety. However, Greek tourism officials remain optimistic, assuring visitors that Santorini is still safe and that all necessary precautions are being taken.

We understand the concerns, but Santorini remains open and fully operational,” said a spokesperson for Greece’s tourism ministry. “Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and emergency plans are in place.”

What Happens Next?

While seismic activity has slightly decreased in recent days, experts warn that the situation remains unpredictable. The Greek government has advised residents to remain alert and follow safety guidelines in case of stronger tremors. Emergency services are on standby, and evacuation drills are being considered to ensure preparedness.

The construction of the new escape port is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with completion scheduled as soon as possible given the urgent need. The project will also include reinforcement of existing infrastructure to make the island more resilient to future seismic activity.

For now, Santorini remains on high alert, with scientists, authorities, and locals watching closely for any further developments. While no one can predict exactly how the situation will unfold, Greece is making it clear that safety remains the top priority.

Learn more about Santorini's ongoing earthquake swarm and the island's plans for an evacuation port in response to the seismic activity. Read the full article here: Santorini Earthquakes: Schools and Flights Disrupted