Santorini – Could Greece be Witnessing the Birth of a New Volcano?

Santorini’s volcanic complex is expanding

As top seismologists in Greece and around the world assess the ongoing seismic activity in and around Santorini, a theory put forth by renowned seismologist Konstantinos Synolakis has captured public attention. Speaking on Greek national television, Synolakis suggested that the recent earthquakes in the Cyclades may indicate the expansion of Santorini’s volcanic complex, potentially leading to the birth of a new volcano.

Deep geological changes..

Speaking to ERT News, Synolakis explained that rising liquid fluids beneath Anydros suggest deep geological changes. “If confirmed, we may be witnessing, for the first time in recorded history, the formation of a new volcano,” he said. However, he cautioned that this does not necessarily mean an eruption is imminent. Rather, it suggests that the region’s volcanic system could be evolving, possibly forming new craters alongside Santorini and Kolumbo.

State of emergency declared for Santorini

A state of emergency was declared on Santorini on Thursday amid intense and ongoing seismic activity that is rocking the popular Aegean island and others in its vicinity, such as Amorgos, Anafi and Ios, and seen residents and visitors leaving in droves. The state of emergency will be in effect until March 1, the announcement by civil protection authorities said, as tremors continued to rattle the area, raising the risk of serious landslides and rockfalls. On Wednesday night alone, six earthquakes over a magnitude of 4 were recorded in the sea area around Santorini, followed by a stronger jolt of 5.2 south of Amorgos.

Increased landslide risk at Santorini cable car area

Santorini’s cable car area, located on the slopes of the caldera above the island’s old port, faces increased landslide risk due to the hundreds of earthquakes that have struck the island over the past week, a leading authority has warned following an inspection of the site. Efthymis Lekkas, president of the Hellenic Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), who joined forces with officials from the Hellenic Survey of Geology (EAGME) for an inspection of the area, noted that improvements for enhanced protection are needed. 

Santorini’s Famous Red Beach Closed After Rockfall

One of the many quakes rattling Santorini over the past few days led to a landslide on one of the island’s iconic beaches: Red Beach. The beach, known for its striking deep red sand composed of volcanic rock from the nearby caldera, is now closed to the public. Images on Tuesday showed massive rocks tumbling down the cliffs following the tremor. At the same time, a group of tourists from China were seen taking selfies as the rocks roared to the ground.

Hundreds flee Santorini as quakes disrupt life

Hundreds of permanent residents and workers rushed to a port early on Tuesday to embark for the Greek capital. Flights out of Santorini to Athens were full, Greek air carrier Aegean Airlines said on Tuesday. A total of 2,500 to 2,700 people were expected to have flown out since Monday by the end of the day, it added. Santorini throngs with hundreds of thousands of tourists in the summer. It is much quieter at this time of the year, but with seismologists estimating that the intense seismic activity could take days or weeks to abate, local authorities have drafted an emergency accommodation plan.

Is it safe to travel to Santorini?

The Greek government has declared a state of emergency for Santorini and neighbouring islands including Amorgos, Anafi and Ios that will last until March 3.

It comes after Hellenic Seismological Service chief Efthimis Lekkas warned on Tuesday, February 4 that “the peculiarity of the current seismic activity is that so far no quake has been observed that could be described as the main quake” , so there remains a possibility that the worst is yet to come. Many hotels, restaurants and tavernas are closed with staff among the 10,000 now evacuated. Santorini airport remains open at the time of writing (Friday, February 7).