Seismic activity on the Greek island of Santorini has decreased in intensity after nearly two months of earthquake swarms. While tremors still occur multiple times per hour, the Geodynamic Institute of Athens reports they are now weaker and barely perceptible.
Schools have reopened, with seismologist Kostas Papazachos stating that the reduced intensity makes continued closure unnecessary. However, experts caution that both a stronger earthquake swarm and a gradual decline remain possible, and the seismic activity could persist for months. Last week, Nikos Zorzos, the mayor of Santorini, said that thousands of people have been returning to the island and urged government officials to help with risk management, such as preventing rockfalls and repairing and installing hillslope fencing.
Residents are concerned about the impact on the tourism season. Despite the concerns, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni stressed that the outlook for this year's tourist season, which begins in April, remained optimistic.