Santorini left ‘half empty’ after thousands flee earthquakes in Greek holiday hotspot.
Credit: Shutterstock, Olga Gavrilova
It’s the Greek getaway that normally draws loved-up honeymooners and sunseekers alike. But Santorini – famed for its glorious sunsets and whitewashed villas – has been well and truly rocked. More than 11,000 residents have packed their bags and left after a flurry of earthquakes sent shockwaves through the holiday hotspot.
Difficult start to the season
Earlier this month, a 5.2-magnitude quake rattled Santorini and the neighbouring Aegean Sea islands. Just as nerves started settling, a 4.6-magnitude tremor struck the waters between Santorini and Amorgos, followed by a 4.2-magnitude aftershock barely two hours later. Greek officials promptly declared a state of emergency, closed schools, and warned tourists to stay away, leaving the island in limbo.
Chaos on the coast
Flights and ferries to Santorini were cancelled almost overnight. Holidaymakers were urged to give the island a wide berth – but the real shock came when the locals decided enough was enough. As the quake count climbed into the hundreds, so too did the number of people fleeing, with over 11,000 residents abandoning their homes in search of safer ground.
Bars, restaurants, ticket agencies, and even tavernas have turned their signs to ‘closed’, while quad bike hire outlets have fallen silent. Hotel owners have even emptied their swimming pools. It’s a far cry from the usual buzz that Santorini sees, even outside the peak travel months.
Residents who remain are clinging to hopes that the tremors will settle and normal life can resume. For now, Santorini is waiting to see what happens next – and holidaymakers will be watching closely.
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