Several earthquakes have again rocked the Greek island of Santorini and its neighbour Amorgos, according to the Geodynamic Institute of the Athens Observatory.

The strongest seismic tremor, measuring 5.2 magnitude, occurred at 10:16 p.m. local time on Feb. 10 offshore, south of Amorgos and about 37 km northeast of the world-famous volcanic island of Santorini. 

The quake was felt as far away as Athens, more than 200 km from the epicentre, but caused no damage or injuries, AFP reported.

Two hours later, another magnitude-5 quake was registered in the same area of the Aegean Sea, followed about 10 minutes later by two more magnitude-4 tremors.

By 7:00 am local time, more tremors were recorded, including one of magnitude 4.4 southeast of Amorgos.

A magnitude 5.2 quake was already recorded last week, the strongest since this intense seismic activity began.

Experts believe this increased seismic activity, which has forced more than 11,000 people to flee Santorini since early February, could continue for weeks. 

According to the seismological laboratory of the University of Athens (EKPA), more than 12 800 earthquakes were recorded between 26 January and 8 February in the sea area between these two tourist islands of the Cyclades archipelago.

On 9 February alone, 102 earthquakes were recorded. 

"This series will continue. It will take weeks to stop this phenomenon," warned seismology professor Kostas Papazachos, quoted by public broadcaster ERT.

"The local community has to adapt and we have to foresee a scenario where the whole of February will take place under similar conditions," he added.

The volcanic island of Santorini, where many houses and hotels are clinging to cliffs, has been declared a state of emergency by Greek Civil Protection until March 3.

Schools on the island, as well as on Amorgos and neighbouring islands, which have been closed since February 3, will remain closed until February 14.

Travelling to Santorini on 7 February, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ruled out the worst-case scenario.

"We don't believe anything catastrophic will happen," he said. | BGNES