Santorini welcomes millions of tourists annually, but it is currently low season that locals and workers are most evacuated.
Santorini schools – and other neighboring islands, including anaphas, naxas and miconos – will remain closed until Friday, when the authorities decide on when they can open again.
The Minister of Climate and Civil Defense Vasilis Kikil said that firefighters specializing in natural disasters are sent to Santorini. Teams with special dogs and mobile operating center were also sent to the island, and helicopters are in standby in the event of an emergency.
Kikilia also said the Coast Guard and the Armed Forces would be available to help vulnerable people who want to evacuate.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of Greek Kiriakas Missatakis inflicted an optimistic tone at a meeting of civil defense experts.
“First of all, the state trusts science and scientists. We have done it in other crises,” the Prime Minister said.
“All the plans were implemented. Forces were moved to Santorini and other islands so that we are ready for any event,” Mitotakis emphasized.
“We will continue, with good hope that everything will improve, and the phenomenon will subside.”
Missacis completed his statement calling for the islanders to “remain calm and cooperate with the authorities.”
“I understand the fear of being in Santorini, which is all the time,” he added, emphasizing that the situation will be estimated daily.
