Greece's government has declared a state of emergency on Santorini after the island experienced hundreds of underwater earthquakes over the past week. The Ministry of Civil Protection made this announcement on Thursday to allow authorities quicker access to state resources. This decision came after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, the strongest since the tremors began on January 31, shook the island late Wednesday. 

Multiple emergency agencies have already been mobilised to support the island, according to government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis. "Santorini and the surrounding islands have been immediately reinforced with additional personnel and specialised equipment by fire departments, police, coast guard, armed forces, and emergency medical services," he told reporters. Although the earthquake caused little damage, thousands of residents and seasonal workers are leaving the area, mostly travelling to the Greek mainland by ferry.  Experts say the recent seismic activity in the Aegean Sea is not linked to volcanic activity. However, they are still unsure whether this series of tremors could lead to a stronger earthquake. 

Vassilis K. Karastathis, a seismologist and director of research at the National Observatory of Athens in a conversation told reporters that “We are not yet in a position to say that we are seeing any evidence that would lead to the sequence slowly coming to a conclusion.” We are still in the middle of the road, we haven't seen any easing, any sign that it's heading towards a regression,” he conveyed. A growing cluster of earthquake epicentres has been observed between the islands of Santorini, Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios. Experts believe the underwater location helps reduce the risk of widespread damage, making it less severe than earthquakes that occur on land. On Santorini, city workers blocked off certain areas in the famous cliff-top towns that might be at risk of rock slides. 

Engineers also checked school buildings, which have stayed closed all week. The island's Orthodox church has called on residents to support each other during this challenging time. Metropolitan Bishop Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos, and the Isles shared in an online message that island life fosters a strong sense of community, bringing people together in times of joy, sorrow, and hardship. “This is how we will face the present condition while it lasts,” he added. "And by God's grace, we will strengthen ourselves on the path of progress and creation for the good of our islands and their blessed inhabitants, our brothers and sisters.”