A surge in seismic activity on the Greek island of Santorini has prompted a mass exodus of tourists and locals, fearing an imminent volcanic eruption. Thousands have abandoned the popular holiday destination, seeking refuge elsewhere as the island teeters on the brink of disaster.
UK holidaymakers are making a hasty exit from Santorini as the Greek island is on the verge of a volcanic eruption. The popular European Union destination is experiencing an exodus, with locals describing the atmosphere as one of intense anxiety, according to Birmingham Live. A recent surge in seismic activity has prompted thousands to leave the island, fearing a major earthquake or eruption could occur soon.
Speaking to The Guardian, resident Veroniki Balabonidi expressed her concerns: 'It was absolutely packed with residents like us who had had enough of the uncertainty.' 'Feeling the earth shudder so often is very unsettling, but it wasn't that so much. Us locals, we're used to earthquakes. It was the volcano – the fear that it could erupt and start spewing very toxic smoke – that was our real worry.' The national newspaper has reported that around 6,000 individuals have left Santorini. Artemios Drossos, owner of Grandma's restaurant in Fira for over 20 years, shared insights into the tourist reaction: 'I've heard of holidaymakers leaving and asking hoteliers for their money back.' He added, 'It's easy to understand why. What's happening is very unnatural, one earthquake after the other in such quick succession, but me personally I've got accustomed to them and I'm booked on a flight back there from Athens this weekend. I've got things to do and I'm looking forward to it.' Balabonidi further detailed the local response to the crisis: 'Everyone I know has been sleeping outside, in their cars, with one member of the family staying awake all night to keep watch,' she said. 'I'm 38 and have never experienced anything like it. Everyone is on tenterhooks.' A Mexican tourist, who was on a brief two-day trip to Santorini, shared their harrowing experience with Greek daily Protothema, saying: 'I cried all night because I was very afraid and didn't know what to do,' and further expressed the tourists' distress by adding, 'We felt that the ground wasn't at all stable ... We were all saying we should stay calm but how can you be calm when the ground is shaking again and again? '
VOLCANIC ERUPTION SANTORINI GREECE TOURISM EARTHQUAKE
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