20 earthquakes shake Aegean Sea overnight: Volcanic eruption feared in Santorini

The “earthquake storm” that began on Jan. 28 in the Aegean Sea near Santorini continues, with nearly 20 tremors recorded overnight on Feb. 4. According to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the strongest quake measured 4.6 in magnitude.
AFAD has described the ongoing seismic activity as an “earthquake storm,” with hundreds of tremors occurring in the region since Jan. 28.
Experts suggest that the active volcano on Greece’s Santorini Island may have triggered faults before a potential eruption. While the quakes remain relatively distant from Türkiye, geologists warn that a volcanic eruption could increase the risk of a tsunami along Türkiye’s Aegean coast.

Nearly 20 earthquakes take place near Santorini island
According to AFAD data, tremors persisted throughout the night. A 3.6 magnitude quake struck at 12:07 a.m., followed by a 3.0 at 12:35 a.m. A 3.2 magnitude quake was recorded at 1:48 a.m., with another 3.0 at 1:54 a.m.
Further tremors included:
- 3.2 magnitude at 2:17 a.m.
- 3.5 at 2:50 a.m.
- 3.1 at 3:02 a.m.
- 3.5 at 3:09 a.m.
- 3.4 at 3:37 a.m.
- 3.0 at 3:39 a.m.
Stronger quakes followed:
- 3.3 at 4:11 a.m.
- 3.6 at 4:19 a.m.
- 3.9 at 4:26 a.m.
- 3.0 at 4:34 a.m., 5:10 a.m. and 5:43 a.m.
- The most powerful tremor, 4.6 magnitude, hit at 5:46 a.m.
- A final 3.9 magnitude quake was recorded at 6:03 a.m.
Turkish professor suggests that tremors in Santorini originate from volcanic activity
As the seismic activity continues, authorities and scientists are closely monitoring the situation for potential developments.
Turkish professor Ovgun Ahmet Ercan, highlighted the depth of tremors taking place near Santorini island, which is between 1 and 5 kilometers, and suggests they originate from the volcano’s magma chamber.
“For the past few days, the Santorini region of the Aegean Sea has been experiencing continuous tremors, with the largest reaching magnitude 4.8. The shallow depths, ranging from 1 to 5 kilometers, confirm that these quakes are linked to volcanic activity. The rising pressure in the magma chamber—approximately 250 bars—combined with extreme temperatures of 2,200°C, is attempting to break through the Earth’s crust,” he stated.
Ercan also noted that if the eruption produces silica-rich lava, it could lead to explosive volcanic bombs. Should an accompanying earthquake occur, tremors between magnitudes 5 and 7 could generate tsunami waves, potentially impacting coastal settlements and marine activities in the region.