Israel prepares for tsunami as thousands of earthquakes shake Santorini, Greece

A series of earthquakes in the Aegean Sea has raised concerns in Greece and Israel, and officials and experts are taking action to address potential risks.

Santorini and Amorgos have experienced thousands of tremors since late January. The strongest earthquakes have reached magnitudes of 5.2 to 5.3.

Experts warn that these tremors could be part of a foreshock sequence, increasing the risk of a stronger earthquake.

Ongoing earthquakes in Santorini raise fears of a larger quake

Greek authorities report that more than 7,850 earthquakes have hit the Santorini-Amorgos seismic zone since Jan. 26. The continuous seismic activity has increased the risk of landslides on Santorini’s steep slopes.

Limited landslides have already hit tourist areas such as Red Beach and the Old Port. Authorities are worried about further rockfalls. A state of emergency will remain in effect on the island until March 1.

Seismologists issued warnings about the earthquake sequence. Gerasimos Papadopoulos said, “We need more data, but the seismic sequence appears to be ongoing.”

Another expert, Efthymios Lekkas, explained that while the tremors are releasing tectonic stress, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake is still possible. “The chance of a 6.0-magnitude earthquake has diminished but cannot be ruled out entirely,” he added.

Israel braces for potential tsunami threat from Aegean quakes

Israeli officials have expressed concern that a potential earthquake in the Aegean could trigger a tsunami affecting the country’s coastline.

Israel’s National Security Council held an emergency meeting on Feb. 5.

• Representatives from emergency services, the military, and government ministries discussed the country’s preparedness
• While Israel is part of a regional tsunami warning system, officials emphasized the need for enhanced planning

Ariel Heimann, a senior geologist at the Institute for National Security Studies, described the situation: “A cluster of earthquakes like this could precede a larger tremor, but it could also subside.”

He noted that although Israel is over 1,200 kilometers from Santorini, a significant offshore earthquake could still trigger a tsunami capable of reaching Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Authorities estimate a two-hour window to issue warnings and evacuate affected areas if needed.

• Israel has experienced small tsunamis in the past, including one in 2021
• Experts stress that larger waves remain a possibility. Col. (Res.) Dr. Efraim Laor, an earthquake expert, criticized Israel’s tsunami preparedness.

“It is close to negligible,” he said. He pointed out that critical infrastructure, including hospitals and desalination plants, remains in flood-prone areas without adequate evacuation plans. “The government has delayed publishing tsunami flood maps, leaving many at risk,” Laor warned.

Emergency response efforts intensify as Mediterranean nations monitor risks

Israeli officials are reviewing safety measures, including evacuation plans for coastal cities like Haifa. Authorities have advised residents to move at least one kilometer inland if a tsunami warning is issued. Home Front Command urged citizens to discuss emergency plans with their families and learn the designated evacuation routes.

Other Mediterranean countries are monitoring the situation. Reports indicate that France and Türkiye are also considering precautionary measures. UNESCO has warned that there is a near 100% chance of a tsunami at least 1 meter high occurring in the Mediterranean within the next 30 to 50 years.

The ongoing tremors keep scientists and authorities on high alert. No one can confirm if a major earthquake or tsunami will strike, but preparedness efforts in Israel and Greece continue to increase to reduce risks.