Major Santorini update as earthquakes could spark more holiday chaos

By Max Parry, News Reporter

A volcanic island in Santorini (Image: Getty)

Investigators on the Greek island of Santorini remain on high alert after thousands of seismic events rocked the local population earlier this year. The first earthquake struck on January 26, with more than 20,000 earthquakes measuring more than one on the Richter scale following in its wake, according to the University of Athens.

Experts are warning that those in volcanic regions need to remain especially vigilant, despite one seismologist from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki telling Greek news outlet Ekathimerini: "We are almost back to normal". Kostas Papazachos added that the possibility of severe aftershocks should not be ruled out: “It’s rare, but it’s not impossible”, he said.

Investigators assess seismic activity at the Nea Kameni volcano (Image: Getty)

The most powerful earthquake in the period of seismic activity measured 5.3 in magnitude, and could be felt in Athens. The focal depth of the quake was 10.6 miles.

After the major earthquake on February 10, Mr Papazachos said: "Let's hope that we will slowly move towards a gradual de-escalation.

"We will have to be a little patient and see. Let's hope that after a couple of weeks the phenomenon will start to subside."

Following his warning a few weeks ago, it appears conditions are stabilising. Local traders will likely be grateful for the settling of conditions, given the possible implications of seismic activity on the tourist industry.

The crater on the island after the activity (Image: Getty)

Santorini is one of Greece's most popular tourist islands, and as such any hit to the tourist trade could spell disaster for the Greek economy.

According to the BBC, the island contributes around 2.5% to Greece's GDP, which is about 5.9 billion euros (£4.9 billion) a year.

Such is the scale of the tourist industry on the island, some residents have called on central Government to curb the trade to preserve the local culture.

"For years, we've been asking for a better port, something to help us manage the growing number of tourists," local resident Margarita Karamolegkou told the BBC.

"We need help preserving the island's identity - its unique environment, the seismic and volcanic forces that shape it. We're grateful for the tourists, but we also need to protect what makes Santorini special", she added.