A barrage of earthquakes hit Amorgos on March 22, 2025, with the strongest reaching 4.0 on the Richter scale. Within an hour, multiple tremors ranging from 2.6 to 3.4 in magnitude rattled the region, centered near Arkesini, as reported by the Geodynamic Institute.
Tag: natural disasters
Greece has a long history of powerful earthquakes, with some of the most devastating tremors causing widespread destruction and loss of life. From the 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Rhodes in 1926 to the deadly Ionian earthquakes of 1953, seismic activity has repeatedly shaped the nation’s landscape. As the Cyclades experience ongoing tremors, experts debate the potential for a major quake, highlighting the ever-present seismic risks in the region.
While the recent earthquakes in Santorini appear to be subsiding, a new threat lingers: the increased risk of landslides. The island’s steep slopes and varied geology, now destabilized by the tremors, make it vulnerable even after the seismic activity ceases. Researchers are working to identify high-risk areas and emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness.
Over 12,800 earthquakes have rattled the Santorini-Amorgos zone in just ten days, prompting urgent analysis and response from experts at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. With notable landslides affecting key areas on Santorini, authorities are implementing precautionary measures to mitigate the impact on both the natural and built environment.
Schools on four Greek islands—Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios—will remain closed until February 14 due to ongoing seismic activity. Since February 1, over 800 tremors have been recorded, with 11 hitting on Saturday alone. While the quakes have caused no major damage or casualties, experts warn that stronger tremors cannot be ruled out.
Seismic activity continues to intensify in the Cyclades, with four tremors above 4.0 magnitude recorded within just 30 minutes. Experts report over 6,400 earthquakes in the Santorini-Amorgos region since late January, with residents and tourists evacuating as uncertainty looms. Seismologists are closely monitoring the phenomenon, unsure if a larger quake is imminent.
Greece has launched mysafetyplan.gov.gr, an online platform providing real-time disaster guidance and safety information. Developed by the Digital Governance Ministry and the National Observatory of Athens, the platform includes a digital map of safe spaces, helping users find shelters during natural disasters like earthquakes.
Urgent Warning for Landslide Hazards An urgent message was sent to the mobile phones of…
Greek Minister Vassilis Kikilias Honoured with France’s Internal Security Medal for Civil Protection
Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, was awarded France’s Internal Security Medal for Civil Protection in a ceremony at the French Embassy in Athens. The honour, presented by France’s Director General of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Julien Marion, recognizes Greece’s efforts in crisis response, particularly during a challenging firefighting season. Kikilias emphasised the strong cooperation between Greece and France in civil protection, while Marion highlighted the long-standing partnership and shared challenges in managing natural disasters.
The countdown for ENFIA statements for 2025 has begun, urging property owners to be cautious to avoid unnecessary taxes. Key dates include submitting changes on the AADE platform by January 31, 2025, and securing a discount of up to 20% by February 14, 2025. The payment will be divided into 12 installments starting March. Updates to the E9 form are necessary for those who acquired or transferred properties in 2024. Benefits and discounts based on specific criteria are available for many taxpayers.
Homeowners in Greece can now apply for a real estate tax (ENFIA) discount if their properties are insured against natural disasters, including earthquakes, fires, and floods. Starting in 2025, properties insured for at least a year will receive a tax reduction of up to 20%, with eligibility based on the home’s value. The application process, which involves insurance companies submitting data to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), opens on January 15 and runs until February 14, 2025.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the importance of border protection as a core component of Europe’s migration strategy during the North-South Summit in Finland. He highlighted the need for collective European action to address shared security and migration challenges, emphasizing the significance of additional funding and upcoming defense discussions at the European Council.
Athens experienced two minor earthquakes within two hours on Wednesday, with epicentres near Halandri and Agia Paraskevi. The quakes, measuring 2.3 and 2.8 on the Richter scale, caused no reported damage but were felt across parts of Attica. Seismologists are closely monitoring the activity.
Greece faced 9,500 wildfires in 2023, its hottest and driest year on record, burning nearly 44,500 hectares of land. While the number of fires rose by 7.5% compared to the last 20 years, swift action from authorities reduced the affected area by 14%. Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the growing challenge of fires occurring outside the traditional fire season, with climate change driving more extreme weather patterns in the country.
Greece has been ranked as one of the safest travel destinations for 2025 in the **Global Risk Map 2025**, produced by Safeture and Riskline. Despite rising instability across parts of Europe and the Middle East, Greece remains in the “low-risk” category, alongside countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan. The map provides essential insights for travelers, helping them make informed decisions in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.
A state of emergency was declared on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Lemnos on Monday after a deadly storm caused widespread damage. Two men were killed in Lemnos as floods, strong winds, and heavy rain overturned cars, caused power outages, and led to evacuations. Rescue teams, supported by the military, worked to evacuate vulnerable residents. Greece’s climate crisis minister, Vassilis Kikilias, linked the extreme weather to climate change, urging residents to follow evacuation orders for their safety.
A weak earthquake, which was nevertheless felt in areas of Thessaloniki An earthquake measuring 3.8…
In a parliamentary session focused on wildfires, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of the emergency number 112 in saving lives. He reported that this year has been the most challenging in the last 40 years, with 9,101 fires recorded compared to 7,163 last year. While 1,754,000 acres burned last year, this year saw 440,000 acres affected. Mitsotakis emphasised that the Mediterranean is at the heart of the climate crisis, facing increasing challenges that require ongoing attention and response.
Australia and Greece have joined forces in a groundbreaking space exploration partnership. The SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre signed an MOU to collaborate on microsatellite technology, Earth observation, and addressing global challenges like climate change.
A seismic tremor measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale struck Kefalonia at 3:37 AM. According…