Tourists and residents are leaving Santorini by ferry and air as earthquakes continue to shake the Greek island.
Aegean Airlines has operated a series of flights over the past few days, transporting people from the island to Athens. More than 2,800 passengers have already boarded these flights, which are being operated by an Airbus A320.
Aegean has scheduled eight departures from Santorini to Athens today and a further four tomorrow, with more flights planned if necessary. SKY Express is also operating nine flights today, which are fully booked, and has six more scheduled for tomorrow with some seats still available.
Many people are also opting to leave the island by ferry due to concerns that a larger earthquake could strike following the recent tremors. The strongest of the 200 recorded quakes occurred shortly before 7 a.m. today, measuring 4.7.
Authorities have advised hotels to empty pools, and many shops and restaurants have closed. Schools have been ordered to remain shut until Friday. Residents and visitors have been warned to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of landslides, and there are concerns that the island’s famous white-washed villages perched on cliff edges could suffer damage.
Officials have also urged people to avoid large indoor gatherings as seismic activity may continue for days or even weeks.
Fire service rescuers, who arrived on Sunday, have set up yellow tents as a staging area inside a basketball court near the island’s main hospital.
The old port at the base of the cliffs has been closed, and no cruise ships are scheduled to visit Santorini until Viking Star’s arrival on 10 February.
