The picture-perfect Greek island Santorini is in a state of emergency. Nearly 8,000 earthquakes in just one week, making the popular vacation spot extremely dangerous for all -- locals and tourists.
The biggest quake so far hit a 5.2-magnitude, shaking things up even more and leaving everyone on edge. While it is difficult to predict precise magnitude and locations of the quakes, residents also fear tsunamis and even rockslides.
Authorities aren’t taking any chances and have taped off streets that could be risky, keeping people away from dangerous areas. Usually packed with tourists, Santorini is currently a ghost town. As of February 6, thousands of people have already been evacuated. Ferries and planes have been making nonstop trips to take people off the island. Over 11,000 have left. Only a few hundred brave souls have stuck around, perhaps to get that empty-island selfie that would go viral on Instagram.
While the quakes haven’t caused major damage yet, authorities are staying prepared in case things get worse. Extra generators have been brought in, and a backup telecommunications station is set up at City Hall to keep everyone connected.
Islanders are especially worried about a tsunami, so they’ve even built makeshift defenses along the beach. Despite the chaos, the island’s hospitals seem to be well prepared. All medical staff are on high alert, with their days off canceled. And extra ambulances, first responders and police officers have arrived to help keep things under control.
More help is on the way from nearby islands, like Naxos, just in case. Santorini sits on what’s called the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a volcanic chain of islands. But Greek authorities have said these earthquakes aren’t due to volcanic activity, but rather the result of tectonic plate movements.
So, what’s next for Santorini? With many people already gone, it’s hard to say when the island will return to its usual, tourist-filled self. But for now, it’s a quiet, eerie version of the once-bustling hotspot.
