Earthquakes in Santorini, experts: Danger to buildings. This tourist season may also fail

Hundreds of small earthquakes continue to be recorded in Santorini, raising concerns about the safety of a decades-long construction boom along the island's deep, volcanic cliffs.

No serious damage has been reported, but scientists have warned that seismic activity could last for weeks.

This has alarmed experts, some of whom have long questioned the viability of the small island.

"There have been about 7,000 earthquakes in seven days. They are small-scale earthquakes. Here in Santorini there is a variety of buildings, from the oldest and most historic to the most modern. I would say that the more recent ones are not at much risk. But old, dilapidated or abandoned buildings, there could be a problem in a scenario for a magnitude 6 earthquake," said Efthymios Lekkas.

For experts, what poses a risk is that over the years no attention has been paid to environmental and safety issues, with many luxury hotels being built on the landslide-prone slopes of Santorini, where the ground is soft and unstable.

The tremors prompted the government to declare a state of emergency on Thursday. Thousands of people fled by plane and ferry. Authorities issued landslide warnings for five areas, including Santorini's main port.

Many residents are used to earthquakes. Mathaios Kourgialis, who owns a small hotel, expresses concern about the coming season.

"The hotel is open, there were many bookings, some clients got scared and left, most want to stay despite us informing them about the risks. If we continue with this situation for another two months, we will probably lose this season," said Mathaios Kourialis.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, while in Santorini, defended the island's construction standards.

"Greece is a country that has experience with earthquakes, so we have a very strict building code, which is implemented throughout the country, especially in those areas that are most prone to earthquakes. That is why we feel very safe," said Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

This Saturday, consecutive tremors have been recorded in the last hour between Santorini and Amorgos.

Scientists recommend patience for at least another two weeks to draw safe conclusions about the evolution of the phenomenon.