Skip to content

Baba Vanga’s eerie prediction: Did she foresee Santorini’s earthquakes?

collage of famous oracle Baba Vanga with buildings with earthquake damage in the background Did oracle Baba Vanga really predict Santorini’s earthquakes or is this just another myth? Feb. 16, 2025. (Collage by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Feb 16, 2025 9:02 AM

The recent seismic activity in Santorini has sparked widespread discussions about whether the legendary blind mystic Baba Vanga had foreseen these earthquakes long before they occurred.

With more than 16,500 tremors recorded near the Greek island in recent weeks and ongoing fears of a potential volcanic eruption, speculation has emerged that Baba Vanga may have predicted such events decades ago.

But did she truly foresee this, or is this yet another instance of selective interpretation of vague predictions?

A black-and-white portrait of a young Baba Vanga, the blind Bulgarian mystic, with wavy hair and a solemn expression, before she became widely known for her prophecies.
A rare black-and-white image of Baba Vanga in her younger years, before becoming widely known as the blind mystic of Bulgaria. (Photo via YouTube)

Who was Baba Vanga, and why do her predictions attract attention?

Baba Vanga, born Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova in 1911 in what is now North Macedonia, lost her eyesight as a child due to a storm-related accident.

Her followers believe this event granted her supernatural foresight, leading her to make hundreds of predictions before her death in 1996.

Why are Baba Vanga’s predictions popular?

She became a cultural figure in Bulgaria and gained international fame for allegedly foreseeing major world events, including:

  • Kursk submarine disaster
  • 9/11 attacks
  • Rise of DAESH

However, skeptics argue that many of these prophecies are either too vague to verify or were assigned to her retroactively after the events had already occurred.

Why do many contest her predictions?

  • Lack of verifiable records: Most of her predictions have no documented proof before they were publicized.
  • Open to interpretation: Many of her statements are ambiguous and can be applied to various events.
  • Global uncertainty fuels interest: In times of crisis, people revisit her predictions for clues about the future.

Despite these doubts, Baba Vanga’s reputation as a prophet continues to thrive, particularly as the world faces increasing political tensions and natural disasters.

The grave of Baba Vanga, marked by a stone cross-shaped headstone inscribed with her name, surrounded by red flowers and set in a tranquil garden with benches and greenery.
Grave of legendary oracle Baba Vanga at Rupite, Bulgaria. (Adobe Stock Photo)

What did Baba Vanga predict for 2025?

Baba Vanga’s predictions for 2025 include various catastrophic events, particularly concerning natural disasters.

Among her alleged prophecies are:

  • The eruption of dormant volcanoes.
  • Major earthquakes, including one along the U.S. West Coast.
  • Devastating floods that would displace thousands.

While she did not explicitly mention Santorini, her followers argue that the recent seismic activity fits within her broader predictions of natural disasters for 2025.

Photo shows iconic blue roofed greek houses
This photograph shows a general view of the Oia village on the Greek island of Santorini while the authorities restrict access to the tourists in some areas as a precaution due to recent seismic activity, Santorini, Greece, Feb. 5, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Current seismic crisis in Santorini: What do scientists say?

Santorini, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, has been experiencing an ongoing seismic swarm since early February 2025. Scientists have recorded thousands of tremors in the region, some exceeding 4.0 in magnitude.

Geologists from the Geodynamic Institute of Athens have been closely monitoring the island’s two main active volcanic sites—Nea Kameni within the caldera and Kolumbo, an underwater volcano located just offshore.

While some experts believe the earthquakes are purely tectonic, others point to signs of volcanic unrest, including:

  • Harmonic tremors: These continuous vibrations suggest magma movement beneath the surface.
  • Gas emissions: Increased gas releases from the seabed could indicate rising magma pressure.
  • Rising temperatures in nearby waters: Oceanographic studies have detected heating in areas close to volcanic fissures.

Despite these warning signs, experts are divided on whether an eruption is imminent. Volcanologist Evi Nomikou has stated that while the data suggests underground fluid movement, no definitive signs of an imminent eruption have been confirmed.

Other experts caution that the seismic activity could stabilize in the coming weeks, as it did during similar events in 2011 and 2012.

An elderly Baba Vanga wearing a black headscarf and dark clothing, holding a bouquet of colorful flowers, with her eyes closed as she is surrounded by people.
Baba Vanga in her later years, as she continued to share her prophecies that captivated people around the world. (Photo via Wikipedia)

Did Baba Vanga predict the Santorini earthquake?

While Baba Vanga’s prophecies are often associated with major world events, there is no verifiable record of her specifically predicting an earthquake or volcanic eruption in Santorini. The claim that she foresaw this event seems to be a broad interpretation of her general predictions concerning natural disasters in 2025.

This pattern of retroactively attributing accurate predictions to Baba Vanga is common. For instance, after the September 11 attacks, it was widely claimed that she had predicted a “great steel bird” attacking America, but there was no documented evidence of this statement before 2001.

Moreover, skeptics argue that the language used in Baba Vanga’s predictions is often ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations. Her supposed prophecy about volcanic eruptions in 2025 could apply to any of the many active volcanic sites worldwide, not just Santorini.

An image showing the aftermath of the July 9, 1956 earthquake, which caused the eruption of Santorini's volcano and a massive tsunami.
The earthquake of July 9, 1956, triggered an eruption of the Santorini volcano and a massive tidal wave. (Photo via protagon.gr)

Other blind mystic Baba Vanga predictions for the coming years

While her 2025 predictions have gained attention due to the Santorini earthquakes, Baba Vanga is said to have made other forecasts for the future.

These include:

  • 2028: Humans will begin exploring Venus as an energy source.
  • 2033: The polar ice caps will melt significantly, causing rapid sea-level rise.
  • 2043: Europe will be under Muslim governance.
  • 2076: Communism will return and spread across the globe.
  • 2130: Humans will make their first contact with extraterrestrials.
  • 3005: Earth will engage in war with a Martian civilization.
  • 3797: The planet will become uninhabitable, forcing humanity to seek a new home.
  • 5079: The world will end.

As with many of her past predictions, these claims are unverifiable and lack supporting evidence beyond anecdotal attributions.

Professor Ahmet Cevdet Yalciner, expert on tsunami warning systems, discusses the potential effects of seismic activity on Santorini Island.
Professor Ahmet Cevdet Yalciner, former Head of the UNESCO North-East Atlantic and Mediterranean Tsunami Warning System, evaluates the possible impacts of the earthquakes and increasing seismic activity recorded on Santorini Island since Jan. 28. (AA Photo)

Science versus prophecy: Understanding limits of Baba Vanga’s predictions

The renewed attention on Baba Vanga’s prophecies amidst the ongoing seismic activity in Santorini in fact reflects the human tendency to seek explanations for unpredictable events.

However, geologists and seismologists emphasize that scientific observation and data analysis are the best tools for assessing earthquake and volcanic risks.

Current monitoring of Santorini suggests that while the island remains seismically active, there is no certainty of a major eruption. Greek authorities continue to assess the situation, and precautionary measures have been implemented to ensure public safety.

While it is intriguing to consider whether Baba Vanga had insight into the future, her predictions should not be relied upon as a substitute for scientific expertise. The events in Santorini, like many other natural disasters, are best understood through careful study and ongoing monitoring rather than mystical foresight.

A small white Orthodox church with religious frescoes on its facade, surrounded by lush green trees and accessed via a stone bridge in a peaceful garden setting.
Church Saint Petka in memory of Bulgarian prophet Baba Vanga near town of Petrich, Rupite, Bulgaria. (Adobe Stock Photo)

Baba Vanga’s predictions and Santorini’s earthquakes: Myth or coincidence?

Despite the fascination surrounding Baba Vanga’s alleged foresight, there is no solid evidence that she specifically predicted the Santorini earthquakes. Her general prediction of increased natural disasters in 2025 could apply to numerous events worldwide, making it difficult to verify any direct connection.

The focus remains on scientific analysis and preparedness as seismic activity in Santorini continues. While speculation about mystical foresight will likely persist, the reality of the situation ultimately lies in the hands of geologists, researchers, and emergency response teams rather than in prophecy.

For now, residents and officials in the region will continue relying on data and observation to navigate the unfolding situation, ensuring that safety and preparedness remain top priorities.

Last Updated:  Feb 17, 2025 9:17 AM