Emergency services have been dispatched to support residents, many of whom have already evacuated the island, following a series of tremors.
"Fire departments, police, coastguard, armed forces and emergency medical services have immediately reinforced Santorini and surrounding islands with additional personnel and specialised equipment,” said government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis.
It comes after more residents left the Greek destination following reports of a 5.2 magnitude quake overnight on Wednesday (5 February).
Reports indicate 11,000 people – more than half the island’s population – have now left by ferry or air. Schools remain closed and hotel pools have been emptied to limit potential damage.
Santorini attracts few visitors at this time of year but is a popular summer season destination and cruise stop.
‘Wait and see game’
Noel Josephides, chair of Greece specialist Sunvil Holidays, said a few concerned clients with existing bookings had called but no one had asked to cancel. “The season doesn’t begin until May, so Sunvil is currently reassuring callers and asking them simply to sit tight for now," he told TTG.
He added Santorini typically experienced tremors “from time to time”, but said the current activity was “higher than normal”. “It’s simply a ‘let’s wait and see’ game at present,” he said.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said the island remained on sale, with Tui also continuing to offer it.
Foreign Office advice on travel to the island is unchanged. It is not advising against travel or for visitors to evacuate, but urges caution when in port locations and to be mindful of the danger posed by landslips.
NBC News said Aegean Airlines had sent two flights to the island in addition to its normal four services as rough seas hampered ferry operations.
Greece prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the channel: “The whole state mechanism has been activated... so we are ready for any possibility with the hope that things will get better and the phenomenon will decrease in intensity.”
