The tremors in Santorini, Greece have lasted for more than a week. We are in the tourism industry, specializing in in-depth tourism in Greece, and our job responsibilities require us to understand the local situation. It is the off-season for tourism in Greece and there are only a handful of tourists on the island. We currently have no guests on the island or in the affected area. But since the beginning of the earthquake, we have been feeling uneasy because Santorini is more than just business to us.
Ground Sentiments
Over the past sixteen years, we have made many friends and work partners living in Santorini, they are like our extended family and we are very worried about their safety. This is the main reason why we are particularly concerned about the development of the situation. We contacted them one by one, and fortunately, they all reported that they were safe, so we were relieved. They also said that the government ordered schools to temporarily suspend classes, prohibit indoor group activities, close some high-risk areas and buildings, and advise people to avoid the coastal areas.
Other than that, the daily life of the islanders is basically as usual; going to the market when it is time to go to the market, and going out to eat when it is time to go out. There is no such thing as “martial law”, “purgatory on earth”, and “abandoned desert island” as some newspapers and media reported. This sensational and exaggerated news to gain web traffic and readership must be taken with a pinch of salt.
Government Response
The Greek government declared a state of emergency in Santorini yesterday, February 6, until March 3. According to the official statement, this is mainly to allow various central government departments and local officials to handle and respond to crises more smoothly and effectively and is by no means due to foreseeing the coming disaster. At the same time, the government has also activated disaster response mechanisms, including preparations for emergency evacuation. All in all, it’s good to be prepared.
If you are on the islands, please follow the local authority instructions and proceed to the designated places of assembly during the heightened period. Singapore Consulate in Athens has issued a travel advisory and Singaporeans in Greece are encouraged to e-register with MFA here.
We have also reached out to customers who have booked or are in the process of booking travel services with us to offer support and contingency plans to ensure minimum disruption to your upcoming travel program. You may contact us here or the emergency support line provided in your travel information kit for further enquiry.
About the Tremors
The center of the tremor was in the southern Aegean Sea, about 25 km northeast of Santorini. The affected islands also included Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. Greece is located at the junction of the African plate and the Eurasian plate. Any tectonic movement between the two plates may produce tremors. This series of tremors was caused by friction between the plates. Since Santorini is in a volcanic circle, inevitably, people will easily associate it with the possibility of a volcanic eruption.
In fact, there have always been seismic experts and volcano experts stationed in Santorini and nearby islands to observe geological activities there. Recently, more manpower has been dispatched to increase the intensity of the work. As for whether these tremors will escalate, most experts are optimistic, believing that they are purely caused by tectonic plate movement, and it is expected that they will gradually weaken and then return to normal; a few experts have expressed concerns and estimated that it might lead to a stronger earthquake. But they have one thing in common – that is, this phenomenon is not directly related to the volcano.
The people in Santorini
Santorini is a highly developed tourist destination. The people on the island can be roughly divided into four categories: 1. Tourists; 2. Workers from all over Greece and foreigners; 3. Foreigners and non-Santorini Greeks who are doing business or buying property on the island; 4. Native Santorini people. Within a few days of the earthquake, tourists departed quickly, followed by workers, foreigners and non-Santorini Greeks, and then a small number of local residents.
Some of these small numbers of residents are both mainland Greeks and Santorini residents. They work on the island during the peak season and go to Athens or other mainland cities to avoid the cold during the off-season, so leaving at this time was originally planned. All those who departed went either by boat or plane to Athens in the north, and a very small number went to Crete in the south.
What the resident says
According to what we heard, the native residents who chose to stay have an inseparable and strong affection for the land that gave birth to and nourished them. They took the earthquake calmly and said in unison: “We are used to tremors and believe that everything will be fine soon. Besides, we love Santorini. This is our home. We will not leave no matter what!” Their generous words reminded me of the spirit of the Greeks – fortitude, optimism, open-mindedness, informality, and living in the present.
This is also the reason why we admired Greece and the Greeks’ attitude towards life. Among the friends and partners are tour guides, drivers, teachers, performers, photographers, makeup artists, civil servants, catering and hotel industry operators, etc. Although they have different professional and social backgrounds, their love for their homeland is the same. We admire them deeply!
No one wants to see natural disasters happen, no one wants to see Santorini or its surrounding islands destroyed, let alone anyone being harmed. We hope everything will end as soon as possible and everything will return to normal!
111 Somerset Road, Triple One Somerset Level 3, Singapore 238164