What Seismologists Said in the Meeting with Mitsotakis About Santorini – Concern Within Reasonable Limits
Seismologists analyzed the seismic activity, noting that the current sequence resembles that of 2011–2012 but is even more intense, with a higher average magnitude of tremors.
Meeting with Mitsotakis on the Seismic Activity Near Santorini
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired a meeting at the Maximos Mansion to discuss the recent seismic activity in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos.
In addition to the Prime Minister, Minister of Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Dimitris Choupis, Thanasis Ganas from the Geodynamic Institute, and Professor of Natural Disasters Kostas Synolakis attended the meeting.
After the meeting, Vassilis Kikilias made announcements regarding the decisions taken:
“The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister has just concluded. Our scientific team briefed him and everyone else; updates will be provided continuously. All data on the seismic activity is being examined. The measures taken so far are purely precautionary. The Earthquake Risk Management Committee will meet continuously. I urge citizens to follow the experts’ instructions to manage the situation effectively. We are alert, the measures are preventive, and organization is in place. Since scientists are leading the committee, I strongly appeal to everyone to ensure accurate information by giving the floor to those who truly understand the situation.”
Expert Analysis – The Seismic Sequence Resembles 2011–2012
During the meeting, seismologists explained that the seismic sequence is similar to that of 2011–2012 but is more intense, with stronger average tremors.
There is a concern, but it is within reasonable limits. The main fear is a potential earthquake exceeding magnitude 6. Authorities will assess the situation daily.
At this stage, Minister Vassilis Kikilias will not travel to Santorini, but seismologists Efthymios Lekkas and Kostas Papazachoswill remain on-site for monitoring.
School Closures and Event Cancellations
Since Sunday morning, dozens of aftershocks exceeding 3.4 magnitude have been recorded in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos. The strongest, at magnitude 3.7, occurred at 07:29.
Professor Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), urgently convened a joint session of the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Hellenic Volcanic Arc to assess seismic activity and consider potential preventive measures.
The committee recommended:
- Closing schools in Santorini.
- Avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
- Restricting access to Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira to ensure public safety in case of a stronger tremor.
The Municipality of Thira confirmed the implementation of these measures, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official guidelines. Scientists continue to monitor the situation to determine if further action is necessary.
Official Statement Following the Emergency Meeting
“Due to seismic activity over the past 48 hours in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos, the President of OASP, Professor Efthymios Lekkas, convened a joint meeting of the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Hellenic Volcanic Arc.”
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, attended by Minister Vassilis Kikilias, Deputy Minister Evangelos Tournas, Secretary-General for Civil Protection Vassilis Papageorgiou, and leaders of the Fire Department.
After thoroughly reviewing the latest data, the committees unanimously concluded:
- Seismic activity within the Santorini caldera has subsided.
- An increased seismic sequence with a maximum magnitude of 4.3 has been recorded near Anydros, between Santorini and Amorgos. This activity is not linked to volcanic activity but results from underwater faults trending northeast-southwest.
The committees recommended the following precautionary measures:
- Schools will remain closed on Monday, February 3, 2025.
- Citizens should avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
- Access and presence at Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira should be restricted.
If necessary, another meeting will be held.
For information on earthquake preparedness, citizens can visit the websites of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (www.oasp.gr) and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Municipality of Thira’s Announcement
Shortly after, the Municipality of Thira started preventive civil protection measures due to the ongoing seismic activity.
Subject: “Implementation of Preventive Civil Protection Measures Due to Seismic Activity in the Thira Region”
By decision No. 27/2025 of the Deputy Mayor of Thira and based on relevant legal provisions, the following measures have been enacted:
A. Educational activities in Thira (including nurseries, kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools) will be suspended on Monday, February 3, 2025.
B. Scheduled events and gatherings in enclosed spaces within the Municipality of Thira will be canceled on Sunday, February 2, and Monday, February 3, 2025.
C. Restriction of access and presence in Ammoudi and the Old Port of Fira.
These measures have been implemented as a precaution due to the ongoing seismic activity in the area.
