The local civil protection authorities of Santorini and Amorgos, which are located near the intense seismic activity detected in the greater region over the past few days, have announced updates to their emergency response plans.
In Santorini, the Municipality of Thira has published maps highlighting evacuation and assembly points for organized preventive evacuation, as stated in the announcement. Updated information in the English language can be found at this link.
Evacuation Points on Santorini
According to the special civil protection plan of the Municipality of Thira, designated assembly points have been established in open air locations near residential areas for an organized preventive evacuation, if necessary. According the the website, the evacuation points are as follows:
- For the areas of Oia – Finikia – Koloumbos → Baxedes Plain.
- For the areas of Imerovigli – Vourvoulos → Vourvoulos Plain.
- For the areas of Fira – Firostefani – Kontochori – Karterados → Fira Plain, between Exo Gialos Fira and Exo Gialos Karterados.
- For the areas of Vothonas – Messaria – Monolithos – Episkopi Gonia – Kamari → The plain west of the airport.
- For the areas of Pyrgos – Exo Gonia – Megalochori → The plain south of Pyrgos and east of Megalochori.
- For the areas of Emporio – Perissa – Vlychada – Agios Georgios → The Agios Nikolaos area, in the plain northwest of Emporio.
- For Akrotiri → The plain southeast of Akrotiri.
- For the Thirasia area → The plain between the village of Manolas and the village of Potamos.
Evacuation Points on Amorgos
In the event of an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or tsunami, the designated evacuation points on Amorgos can be found at this link in Greek, and as of February 2 at 21:00 are:
- Chora Amorgou:
- Large parking area before the helipad.
- Stadium-parking area at Kalogeriko.
- Katapola:
- Parking area near the olive press and PPC station in Rachidi.
- Pera Rachidi.
- Ormos & Potamos Aegialis:
- The area of the transport agencies before the Tholaria-Lagkada intersection.
- Tholaria:
- Tholaria Square.
- Lagkada:
- Kaminaki Parking.
- Upper Square Parking.
- Kamari:
- Children’s Playground.
- Vroutsi:
- “Giorgalini” Parking.
- Kolofana – Kalotaritissa:
- Courtyard of Agia Paraskevi (Parking).
- Arkesini:
- Square at the Cooperative (Distrata) & Rahoula Square.
In addition to announcing evacuation points, a recommendation has been issued for fishing and recreational boats to remain at dock for the next 24 hours. The Municipality of Amorgos has also advised residents to remove their vehicles from the land areas of the ports of Katapola and Aegialis, as well as from coastal roads, today and tomorrow (Monday).
Key Safety Instructions from the Municipality of Amorgos
Avoid traveling near dangerous or dilapidated buildings and beaches, especially on the southern shores and Kalotaritissa Beach, which is closest to the earthquake zone.
In case of a tsunami, warnings will be issued via Civil Protection alerts (112) and church bells in local parishes. If you are in a low-altitude coastal area, stay alert.
Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis, but watch for significant rises or drops in water levels, as this is a natural warning sign.
Move away from the sea and head to inland areas at higher elevations. A small tsunami in one location can become a larger wave further away.
Stay away from the coast. A tsunami is not a single wave but a series of waves. Only return after authorities confirm it is safe.
Do not approach the shore to watch a tsunami. If you see it coming, it may be too late to escape.
