Scientists’ warning to tourists on popular Greek holiday island
The Foreign Office has issued a warning for British travellers hoping to visit one of Greece’s most popular islands.
Schools on Santorini have been forced to close down following an increase in seismic activity in the area.
The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has issued advice for residents and visitors to both Santorini and Amorgos – and now the UK Foreign Office has echoed that advice for any Brits visiting or living there.
People are being advised not to attend large indoor gatherings, and asked to avoid two small ports in the Fira area – both of which mainly serve cruise ships.
There’s been an increase in tremors in recent days, reaching up to 4.3 magnitude on Friday and Saturday.
Earthquakes measuring between 2.8 and 4.5 in magnitude struck the area on Sunday morning, the Athens Geodynamic institute said, but no damage was caused.
The Civil Protection ministry says this wasn’t linked to volcanic activity, with intensity receding, but experts suggested putting precautionary measures such as the school closures in place.
This comes about a month after a surge of volcanic activity was reported on Santorini, the Independent reports.
Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry met with local officials last month to discuss the detection of ‘mild seismic-volcanic activity’.
The full warning from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) read: ‘The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has issued advice for Santorini (Thira) and Amorgos, following increased seismic activity in the area.
‘Schools will remain closed on Monday February 3 2025, and people are advised not to attend large indoors gatherings and to avoid the ports of Amoudi and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira.’
This isn’t the first time in recent history that sensors have picked up seismic activity in the area without incident, however.
Back in 2011, increased activity went on for about 14 months without causing any issues.
But experts have recommended putting precautionary measures in place due to Santorini’s popularity as a tourist destination.
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