Recently observed changes in the volcano on the Greek island of Santorini, one of the world's main tourist attractions, are the result of ongoing earthquakes in the Cyclades archipelago, said geology professor Thanasis Ganas, director of the National Observatory in Athens.
Athens-based RTV SKAI reports that compared to measurements taken six months ago, in August 2024, the volcano's crater has risen by four centimeters and has expanded by six centimeters to the east and west.
"I can't say it's alarming, but it's an important change and we need to monitor it," Ganas said.
These changes, he explained, are the result of magma rising from deep within the Earth to the magma chamber, which is located three kilometers below the crater of the volcano on Santorini.
Initial measurements show that the magma is five million cubic meters higher, while in the last volcanic activity crisis in 2011-2012, it increased three times more - 15 million cubic meters, so observations must continue to see how this will develop.
More than 15.000 earthquakes have been registered on Santorini, with their epicenters located nearby, under the sea, the strongest of which were above magnitude five, and seismologists assume that it is possible to experience an earthquake of magnitude six.
While more than 12.000 of Santorini's 15.000 residents have left, fears are growing for tourism, which is the main source of income for the island, which receives more than three million guests annually.
February is the unofficial start of the tourist season on the island as cruise ships begin to arrive and preparations begin for the first influx of foreigners of the year, for Easter.
While some restaurants are still open, only one cruise ship has been cancelled for now, and there are fewer accommodation reservations, Andonis Pagonis, president of the Greek Hoteliers Association, told the BBC.
Santorini relies heavily on seasonal workers from other parts of Greece and abroad, and it is not yet known how many will arrive.
Additionally, this time of year is a time for construction work and annual hotel renovations, but all of that has been put on hold due to concerns about earthquake safety.
While Greek authorities responded quickly to the earthquake threat by sending rescue and evacuation teams and declaring a state of emergency to expedite aid, locals are also demanding investment in the island's infrastructure, where there is small but significant damage, and one of the main demands is the construction of a new port.
Santorini brings 2,5 percent of Greece's gross domestic product (GDP) - 5,9 billion euros annually.
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