Panic Strikes as Earthquake Hits Santorini Office Building
In a terrifying moment on February 9, 2025, two women screamed and dove under their desks as a powerful earthquake struck an office building on the island of Santorini.
Just moments before the 5.1 magnitude quake hit, the women were seen working peacefully at their desks.
But when the tremors began, they quickly sprang into action, rushing to take cover under their white desks.
As the shaking intensified, chaos erupted in the office, with screams and shouts echoing through the building.
Ongoing Seismic Crisis
The earthquake is part of a series of tremors that have been rattling Santorini for days, following Greece’s declaration of a month-long state of emergency in response to the situation.
The first tremors began on January 31, affecting not only Santorini but also the nearby islands of Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios.
On Wednesday night, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded, and the tremors continued throughout the following days.
Just the night before, a 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck, followed by another smaller one hours later.
These constant aftershocks have left both locals and tourists in fear, prompting authorities to take drastic measures.
Immediate Emergency Response
As the situation escalates, Greek authorities have closed schools, restricted access to cliff-top villages, and issued warnings about possible landslides.
The local emergency services, including the army, fire service, and police, have been deployed across the island, working to keep the situation under control.
In an effort to keep everyone safe, residents have been advised to avoid gathering indoors or near ports.
Emergency measures will remain in effect until March 3 to help coordinate responses to the ongoing tremors.
Fleeing the Island
So far, over 11,000 people have evacuated Santorini as the island remains gripped by the constant aftershocks.
The seismic activity continues to worsen, with tremors being recorded nearly every minute. Experts have warned that the island could be facing a “seismic crisis,” with no end in sight.
There are growing concerns that a larger, more destructive earthquake could strike in the coming days.
Staying on High Alert
Though Thursday’s quakes didn’t surpass the magnitude of the 5.2 tremor from Wednesday, local authorities are still on high alert for potential landslides and aftershocks.
Thankfully, no significant damage or injuries have been reported so far, but emergency crews remain ready for any worst-case scenario.
Some residents are taking matters into their own hands, with makeshift defenses, like sandbag barriers, being set up along Monolithos beach to protect buildings that sit too close to the water.
Government Support
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who plans to visit Santorini, has called for calm, assuring residents that authorities are fully prepared to handle the ongoing situation.
He confirmed that emergency plans have been activated and that forces have been deployed to Santorini and the surrounding islands to manage the crisis.
Despite the turmoil, seismologists have clarified that these tremors are caused by tectonic plate shifts rather than volcanic activity, though they do emphasize that the situation is unlike anything Greece has experienced before.
What’s Next?
With the earthquakes still shaking Santorini and surrounding areas, the crisis is far from over.
While residents hope for relief, the experts warn that seismic activity could continue for weeks, if not months, leaving both locals and visitors on edge as they brace for what might come next.