Seismic activity around Santorini, which began on January 26, is subsiding, though experts continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We are almost back to normal,” said Costas Papazachos, seismologist at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
While the intensity and frequency of earthquakes have significantly decreased, with only two quakes exceeding magnitude 4 last week, experts caution that strong aftershocks remain a possibility.
“It’s rare, but it’s not impossible,” Papazachos added, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of volcanic movements.
Geological oceanographer Evi Nomikou explained that magma movement has entered a phase of dormancy, with ground deformations diminishing.
“The magma seems to be settling back into its original state,” she noted.
A dense network of seismographs has been installed around Santorini and neighbouring islands to ensure continuous monitoring, with Nomikou emphasising, “It is crucial to systematically monitor the Kolumbo volcano.”
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni confirmed that life on the island is returning to normal.
At the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism expo, she stated, “Latest data show that seismic activity in the region of Santorini has noticeably dropped, and by following closely scientists’ guidance and directions, life on the island is returning to normalcy.”
She reiterated that “the safety of residents and visitors was and remains our absolute priority.”
Kefalogianni also highlighted two consecutive record years for tourism in 2023 and 2024, with positive outlooks for the year ahead, based on talks with international tourism agencies.
Source: Ekathimerini.
