Earthquake fear on Santorini: “Now the earth shakes every five minutes”

Mr. Bardhoshi, how have you experienced the past few days?
Even before ten days, there was a very strong earthquake in the morning. They have been performing again and again for five days. It is really scary. In the past seven years I may have felt three earthquakes, now the earth shakes every five minutes. And if she doesn’t do it, then you form it. Thank God the quakes are not very strong – 5.3 has so far been the highest value on the Richter scale.

Not only tourists, also leave many locals Santorini. Has panic broke out?
Yes, there is panic. I heard that yesterday alone left 5,000 people. There are additional flights and ships that bring people to safety. The remaining tourists mainly come from the Asian region. They seem to enjoy the island for themselves. I don’t know if you are aware of the situation. Many streets are deserted. That reminds me of the time of Corona pandemic when nobody was here. It is a sad picture.

And why did you decide to stay?
This is my home. I live on Santorini all year round, not only during the season like many others. So far, I do not find the situation threatening enough to leave everything back. If the quakes get worse, I also go. But I still hope that I can stay.

Is there any visible damage on the island?
Yesterday I sawed boulders on the coast in front of the capital Thira. During the quake ten days ago, a school also collapsed. There is a construction period here, renovations are held all over the island in March to prepare for the new season. We had to interrupt our painting work. ((Bardhoshi Also interrupts the conversation, turns away from the cell phone camera.) Wait, now I feel an earthquake.

Is everything ok?
Yes, everything okay.

Are you concerned about a possible tsunami or volcanic eruption?
No, I have no information about that so far. But I heard that this situation, these earthquakes, could last a few more weeks.

Does this already have an impact on the bookings of your holiday homes?
Yes. Tourism is everything for Santorini, it is the main source of income. Yesterday I should receive three families, but only one checked in. The two others had already traveled, but immediately turned over again and climbed back on the plane. Today, new visitors who have not yet canceled should arrive. I manage a total of twelve holiday homes and offer the guests to accommodate them on the other side of the island. It is safer there.

What information do you get from the Greek government?
The schools were closed for an indefinite period and many shops as well. Firefighters can be seen everywhere. They lock the streets to the ports, there you can no longer stay there.

And how do the people who stay on the island protect themselves?
I asked older neighbors who spent their whole life on Santorini. You advised me to sleep in my basement. There the house is built like a cave in the rock, so it is common here. That should be safer. But many people spend the night outside and sleep in their cars.