Santorini’s seismic struggle in photos: Life in ghost island amid earthquake fears

Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous tourist destinations, is facing an unprecedented crisis due to continuous seismic activity. The island, known for its iconic white-washed architecture and breathtaking sunsets, is experiencing frequent tremors, leading to concerns about volcanic eruptions and landslides. As a result, many residents have left, and some areas now resemble a ghost town.

Greek authorities and scientists are closely monitoring the situation, using advanced technology to assess risks and implement safety measures.

Here’s a closer look at how the seismic activity is affecting life on Santorini.

A wide-angle view of the town of Fira on the island of Santorini.

The once-bustling streets of Fira now resemble a ghost town as residents flee the island due to earthquake fears.

A cat sitting along the streets of Oia village on Santorini Island, where seismic activity continues.

A lone cat roams the empty alleys of Santorini, a once-bustling tourist haven now eerily silent.

A caution sign warning of falling rocks near the cliffs of Ammoudi in Santorini.

Dust clouds rise after a landslide triggered by seismic activity near Santorini’s steep cliffs.

A damaged construction site with an empty pool and Nea Kammeni islet in the background on Santorini Island.

Damage to certain structures on the island have not gone unnoticed.

Workers returning to duty in Oia, Santorini, following a series of earthquakes.

Professor Efthymios Lekkas warns that the tremors could persist for months, urging continuous monitoring.

A restricted area in Oia, Santorini, blocked off with police tape due to the risk of landslides.

Geologists use advanced drone technology to assess terrain stability in landslide-prone areas.

Large fallen rocks next to a warning sign at Ammoudi Port, which is closed due to safety concerns.

Ammoudi Port, one of the most beautiful terminals on the island, faces structural risks due to frequent rockfalls.

Empty pools with stagnant water in Fira, Santorini, where halted construction projects remain abandoned.

The island’s white-washed architecture stands resilient, but uncertainty looms over its future as tremors persist.

A hotel entrance in Santorini with a view of Nea Kammeni islet in the distance.

The start of the tourism season has been postponed to May due to ongoing tremors.

A broken statue of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite lying in Fira, Santorini.

With tourism season delayed, many shops and restaurants face economic uncertainty.

A Red Cross vehicle parked near a tent with a rescue dog standing nearby, part of an emergency response in Santorini, Greece.

The Red Cross has placed its emergency teams on standby, prepared to provide aid if needed. Volunteers have been briefed, and medical supplies are stocked in case of evacuations or other urgent needs.

The steep caldera cliffs of Fira, Santorini, with halted construction sites visible.

Students in Santorini and nearby islands stay home as schools remain shut until Feb. 28.

A firefighter walking near emergency tents set up in Fira, Santorini, for disaster response teams.

Civil defense units work with local authorities to assess and mitigate earthquake-related risks.

While seismic activity on Santorini appears to be decreasing, uncertainty continues to loom over the island’s future. Once a thriving tourist hub, the island now grapples with the economic and social impact of ongoing tremors. Many businesses remain closed, renovation projects have stalled, and the start of the tourism season has been delayed.

Authorities and experts remain cautious, closely monitoring the situation with advanced technology to assess risks. Although some residents and workers have started returning, concerns about further quakes and potential landslides persist.

February 25, 2025 02:49 PM GMT+03:00