A significant earthquake has been registered near the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini, following several days of intense subsequent tremors in this region.
More than 11,000 individuals have already departed Santorini, with approximately 7,000 leaving by ferry and around 4,000 departing by air.
The earthquake occurred after two smaller quakes, which had shaken the area just minutes earlier. It was recorded at 9:09 PM local time (7:09 PM GMT) as a magnitude 5.2 quake, marking the largest seismic activity in recent times.
As of now, no major damage has been reported on the island, though authorities are taking precautions.
Santorini receives millions of tourists each year, but now it is off-season, so local residents and workers form the largest group of people being evacuated.
Schools on Santorini and other surrounding islands such as Anafi, Paros, Naxos and Mykonos will remain closed until Friday, when the authorities will make a decision as to when they can reopen.
Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's climate and civil protection minister, reported that specialized firefighting units handling natural disasters have been dispatched to the island of Santorini. In addition, teams with specially trained dogs and a mobile command center have been dispatched there. Helicopters are also prepared to intervene in case of an emergency.
Also, he pointed out that the coast guard and armed forces will be available to help vulnerable people who want to evacuate.
Earlier on Wednesday, Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed an optimistic sentiment during a meeting with officials from the civil protection department.
The state relies heavily on scientific expertise and those working in the field. We have demonstrated this approach in other times of crisis.
"All necessary measures have been put into place. Troops have been stationed in Santorini and the other islands, ensuring we're prepared for any potential outcome," said Mitsotakis.
We will continue in that positive direction, looking forward to a hopeful outcome where the situation improves, and this peculiar occurrence becomes less noticeable.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis concluded his declaration by asking islanders to "remain calm and collaborate with the authorities".
He acknowledged the fear people have about safety in Santorini, which is prone to frequent tremors, stating that a daily assessment will be conducted to monitor the situation.
Santorini is situated on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc - a string of islands formed by volcanic activity - and the most recent significant volcanic eruption took place in the 1950s.
Greek authorities have stated that the recent earthquakes were caused by the movement of tectonic plates, not volcanic activity.
Researchers find it challenging to forecast the exact timing, magnitude, and geographical specifics of earthquakes.
There are regions on the globe where such incidents are more probable, which enables governments to prepare more effectively.
Earthquakes are the consequence of the movement of tectonic plates within the Earth's crust. Sometimes these plates become locked together when they meet, a scenario that is referred to as a plate boundary or fault line.
Santorini and the Greek Islands are located in a similar region.
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