The picturesque island has been shaken by a spate of recent quakes (Picture: Getty)
A powerful earthquake struck Santorini, days after a spike in seismic activity was recorded on the volcanic island.
Measuring at a magnitude 5.2, it’s the largest earthquake on the Greek island in recent weeks, occurring at a depth of 5km.
No major damage has been reported but authorities are inspecting after it struck around 9 pm yesterday evening.
Scores of cars were seen crowding the ferry port as residents and tourists evacuated after the sharp increase in earthquakes in recent days.
‘We have a very intense geological phenomenon to handle,’ Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said from Brussels, where he was attending a European meeting.
‘I want to ask our islanders first and foremost to remain calm, to listen to the instructions of the civil protection (authority).’
People have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings, small ports and areas where rockslides could occur.
Fire service rescuers have arrived on the island as a precaution (Picture: AP)
Hotels have been told to drain their swimming pools to reduce potential building damage.
Precautionary measures have also been carried out on several nearby islands in the Aegean Sea, all of which are popular holiday destinations after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded over the past three days.
Mobile phones across Santorini have been blaring with alerts throughout the day, warning people of the potential for rockslides.
Experts have said that the seismic activity on the island, some of whose most populated areas are perched on steep cliffs, will continue for weeks.
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