Seismic activity in Greece forces extended school closures on islands

Greece extended school closures for another week on four Aegean islands Sunday due to ongoing seismic activity.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on social media that schools on the volcanic islands of Santorini, Yamurgi, Niyoz, and Anafiya will remain closed as seismic movements continue.

The decision follows a state of emergency declared on the islands, where schools had already been closed for two weeks.

Scientists from two government committees provided an update on the situation, particularly in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos. They confirmed that while seismic activity has decreased, it remains linked to submarine faults and a combination of tectonic and magmatic processes.,

Increased “ground deformation” has also been recorded in the wider Santorini area, which is being closely monitored. Scientists have documented around 1,300 earthquakes in the marine area between Thera and Amorgos since February 1, with the largest registering a magnitude of 5.3.

In a televised interview Tuesday, the Chair of Earth Sciences at the Academy of Athens warned that the earthquakes are becoming stronger and more widespread. Given the circumstances, he noted it is too early to rule out the possibility of a volcanic eruption in Santorini.

The island has erupted three times in the 20th century—1925-1926, 1939-1941, and 1950.

Measures to support quake-hit islands

Meanwhile, Greek PM Mitsotakis also announced economic support measures on Sunday for businesses and employees in Santorini and nearby islands, which have experienced thousands of earthquakes since late January.

In a social media post, Mitsotakis acknowledged the financial damage caused by the tremors to workers and businesses, pledging “special measures” to support them. He stated that all private sector businesses in Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, which has also declared a state of emergency, can suspend salary payments from February 1 to March 3, 2025.