As earthquakes hit Santorini, tourists flee but locals remain resilient | Global News Avenue

In July 1956, a disaster hit on a peaceful summer day on Santorini.

“I remember our dogs and birds behaved strangely,” recalled Eirini Mindrinou, 83. “The house was taken apart and closed again. Through the cracks in the roof, I could see the sky. ”

A huge 7.8 earthquake struck Santorini and nearby Amogos Island, destroying much of the island, and 12 minutes later, a powerful aftershock caused further damage. 53 people died.

The island, then a quiet fishing village, was scarred and people fled.

Today is a big difference, rebuilding as one of Greece’s most coveted tourist destinations – but this week, another massive Exodus unfolds as a new wave of earthquakes hit the island.

Subtle tremors starting in June 2024 Mature earthquakeshake the houses, disturbing the island’s residents. The family hurriedly left in the air and the ocean, eagerly seeking a chance to breathe as the ground shook again.

But not everyone is running away. Those who stayed showed a mixture of courage, necessity and deep connections with the lands that defined the island’s locals. They endured sleepless nights, plagued by the horror of memories of past and the horror of things that had not yet happened.

“The noise in the earthquake is unbearable. Even in my home, it became huge.” “I felt tired day after day and couldn’t see it,” said Margarita Karamolegkou, a local businessman. At the end…but I didn’t feel scared. I couldn’t leave the house, I couldn’t leave the people who stayed behind.”

This flexibility is nothing new. According to Mayor Nikos Zorzos, people experienced social change last year – about 3.4 million people visited the island. Now, as always, they are united.

“We are trying our best to support the vulnerable,” said local volunteer and businessman Matthaios Fytros. “Disabled people, seniors – many people have difficulty getting around and their houses are hard to reach. If a big earthquake hits, I know exactly where they live , I’ll go find their firefighters as quickly as possible.”

Matthios and others patrol the island, ensuring there are no plundered abandoned property and helping those in need. “I’m not afraid,” he said firmly. “We are proud of our island. I just hope everything will be resolved and this torture will end soon. We are so happy to get our visitors back to us.”

The country responded quickly and took measures to resolve the crisis. However, thanks to government intervention, it makes people suffer. Many islanders recall the years they cried for better infrastructure and support.

“For years, we have been asking for a better port that can help us manage more and more visitors,” Margarita said. “We need help maintaining the island’s identity – its unique environment, shaping it Earthquakes and volcanic power. We thank the tourists, but we also need to protect what makes Santorini special.”

Tourism has become the lifeblood of Santorini’s economy. The island contributes about 2.5% to Greece’s GDP, about 5.9 billion euros (£4.9 billion) per year.

As the tremor continues, the future of the Santorini economy remains uncertain. Can its prosperity withstand the trembling ground? The people of the Santorinians fear that the island’s vulnerability may soon surpass the land itself.

“I regret how accidental the development of the island was in the rise of tourism,” said Elini, who was temporarily in Athens, not out of fear but in routine medical testing. “We are harming the natural environment here. Now, as the earthquake continues, we may lose the real risk of the entire tourist season.”

Scientists may not know when the tremor will stop, but choose to fear, but choose to understand the phenomenon, hoping that they can reassure them in the face of the unknown.

Margarita said thoughtfully, “I tried to think of a good situation.” “It felt like settled there. All our appreciation of Santorini today – the beauty, the character – has been volcanic and shaped by its seismic power.”

“We are the most beloved island,” his voice filled with pride. “And I believe we are the most beautiful of all the islands in Greece. We will get rid of this more powerful ability.”