A state of emergency has been declared at the Greek island of Santorini—and due to seismic activity.
More than 11,000 people have already left the island, and many others are preparing to do the same after two earthquakes measuring 5.2 and 4.7 struck near the island on Wednesday evening and Thursday evening at 7:50pm local time.
And 57 smaller aftershocks were recorded between midnight and 6:30am.
The area between the islands of Amorgos and Santorini has been literally shaking for more than a week. More than 500 small aftershocks have been recorded there since January 28.
Earlier, Greek authorities had urged islanders and tourists to remain calm. But on Thursday, 7,000 people left Santorini by sea and 4,000—by air.
According to preliminary estimates by seismologists, strong tremors occurred at a depth of approximately five kilometers.
There was no significant damage on Santorini, but the local authorities say they are preparing for various scenarios.