Thousands of earthquakes have rattled the Greek islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Ios, and Anafi since late January, prompting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to announce economic relief measures.
Over 14,000 tremors have been recorded, baffling scientists but causing no damage or injuries so far. However, the constant seismic activity is impacting Santorini’s tourism industry, a key part of the island’s economy, as cruise lines are hesitant to bring ships to the area.
Mitsotakis announced financial aid for businesses on Santorini and Amorgos, allowing them to suspend salary payments from February 1 to March 3, 2025. Employees will receive €534 in compensation for 30 days, provided their employers maintain existing job levels. Schools on the affected islands, including Thira (Santorini), Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos, will remain closed until Friday. Many of Santorini’s residents have evacuated, while Amorgos, with its rockier terrain and less dense construction, is considered less at risk.
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni recently met with island representatives to discuss strategies for supporting the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of Santorini’s stability as a prime tourist destination. The unprecedented seismic activity, centered around Santorini’s dormant volcano, is the largest recorded since 1964.
