Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection held a critical meeting to address an ongoing seismic swarm in the Aegean Sea on February 16. The session, led by Professor Efthimios Lekkas, president of the Organization of Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection (OASP), brought together key officials and scientists to evaluate the situation and coordinate a response.
With thousands of earthquakes recorded since early February, the government is taking proactive steps to ensure public safety and bolster infrastructure. The strongest event in the series that started in late January was the M5.3 quake at 13:04 UTC on February 4.
According to scientists from the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Hazard Assessment and Seismic Risk Reduction and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc, this swarm is driven by submarine faults trending northeast-southwest.
These faults are influenced by regional tectonic forces and underlying magmatic activity, raising concerns about potential escalation. The committees plan to reconvene on February 21 at 18:00 LT to analyze updated seismic data and reassess risk levels.
As a precautionary measure, schools on the nearby islands of Santorini (Thira), Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos will remain closed until at least February 21. This decision reflects the government’s focus on minimizing risks to residents while scientists monitor the evolving situation.
Minister Vassilis Kikilias addressed the situation during an interview on February 17, reiterating the state’s commitment to preparedness and public safety.
Kikilias announced ambitious plans to enhance emergency infrastructure on Santorini, a key island in the region. The government will construct a new port and develop an emergency escape port at a secure location on the island.
While specific timelines were not disclosed, these projects aim to improve evacuation capabilities and ensure safer maritime access during crises. The Armed Forces will oversee the initiatives, working in partnership with Civil Protection authorities and a designated contractor.
“Scientists cannot make accurate predictions about earthquakes, but estimates based on scientific data. This forces us as an organized state to take all necessary preventive measures to protect citizens,” Kikilias stated.
He warned that a larger earthquake remains a possibility, urging residents to remain vigilant.
“A large earthquake can cause extensive damage or even a tsunami. The residents of Santorini and the surrounding islands should know that, in the event of a large earthquake, they should immediately leave coastal and low-lying areas and move to safer, higher ground,” Kikilias said.
A comprehensive emergency response force has been deployed in the region, including the Security Forces, Armed Forces, Emergency Medical Service personnel, and telecommunications teams equipped with 4×4 mobile communication units to ensure emergency alerts via the 112 warning system, even in case of network failures.
Meanwhile, the Hellenic Electricity and Telecommunications Authority has mobilized reserve materials for immediate power restoration in the event of damage.
Authorities have issued specific safety recommendations for residents and visitors on the islands of Santorini, Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos to avoid large indoor gatherings, stay away from abandoned or structurally weak buildings, and avoid the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfou, and the Old Port of Fira. In addition, residents are advised to secure or remove hazardous non-structural elements such as heavy hanging objects and false ceilings, empty water from swimming pools to reduce structural strain, choose safe routes while traveling in areas prone to landslides, and immediately evacuate coastal areas in the event of strong ground shaking.
Authorities are also closely monitoring volcanic activity in Santorini and the broader Hellenic Volcanic Arc. Nea Kameni, a small uninhabited volcanic island in the center of Santorini’s caldera, has shown slight unrest in recent months. Meanwhile, the nearby Kolumbo submarine volcano, located about 8 km (5 miles) northeast of Santorini, remains persistently active and under continuous observation by both Greek and international scientists.
“There is the uniqueness of Santorini with the volcano in Nea Kameni. It has had a slight excitation in recent months. There is the other volcano, Kolumbo. There has been a permanent activation in recent years that has been monitored by scientists from Greece and abroad. There is also a fault, on the route from Santorini to Amorgos, which causes prolonged seismic activity, as there is magma in the bowels of the Earth. The magma is located 5 km (3.1 miles) down, according to scientists,” Kikilias said.
He confirmed that a minor shift in the island’s position has been detected, similar to observations recorded in 2011–2012. Scientists are closely monitoring whether this deformation will progress gradually or accelerate.
Santorini’s caldera remains seismically stable, but experts noted an increase in ground deformation in the wider Santorini area. This deformation, continuously monitored, could indicate deeper geological processes at work.
References:
1 Vasilis Kikilias: Prevention, preparation and organization for all scenarios – Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection – February 17, 2025
2 Announcement from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection – Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection – February 16, 2025
3 M5.3 earthquake near Santorini, Greece – M5.3 – EMSC – February 4, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.