Tourists run away but durable locals remain

On a quiet summer day of Santorini in July 1956, the Earth turned against its people.

“I remember our dog and birds behaving strangely. Then the earthquake struck,” recalls 83-year-old Eirini smell, her voice is stable but distant, as if trying to grasp a memory that has never faded. “The house split before it closed again. Through the crack of the roof I saw the sky.”

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck between Santorini and the nearby Amorgos Island, destroyed much of the island and a powerful one after 12 minutes later finished what remained little. Fifty -three people were killed. The island, then just a quiet fishing village, was a sign and its people escaped.

Today it is much different, converted into one of Greece’s most desirable tourist destinations -but another mass eviction has unfolded this week. Fine tremor began in June 2024. turned into full -fledged earthquakesSome exceed 4.0 on the Richter scale, shake homes and disturb the residents of the island. Families rush to go by air and sea, desperately looking for relaxation until the earth shakes again.

But not everyone runs away. Those who remain show the mix of courage, a need and a deep connection with the land that has determined the locals on this island. They endure sleepless nights pursued by the memories of the past and the horrific unknown by what is to come.

“The noise of the earthquake, the sounds of (other people) homes that fall apart – it is unbearable. Even in my house it becomes more and more,” says Margarita Karamolegu, a local businesswoman. “I felt tired, day after day, with no end to my eyes … but I did not have fear. I cannot leave my home and I cannot leave the people who have remained behind me.”

This resilience is nothing new. People have endured as social changes – about 3.4 million visited the island last year, according to Mayor Nikos Zorzos – and seismic shifts. Now, as always, they have gathered in solidarity.

“We are doing our best to support the vulnerable,” says Motaos Fitros, a local volunteer and a merchant. “People with disabilities, the elderly – many are struggling to get around, and their homes are difficult to achieve. If a large earthquake is hit, I know exactly where they live, and I will reach them as fast as I can, along with firefighters.”

Mattyos and others patrol the island, ensuring that abandoned properties are not looted and help anyone in need. “I’m not afraid,” he says in a quiet conviction. “We are proud of our island. I just hope everything works out and that this ordeal is over soon. We will be glad to return our visitors with us.”

The reaction of the state is rapid as measures to deal with the crisis. However, the government’s intervention for the intervention of the government remains quiet bitterness. Many islanders remember the years when their shouts for better infrastructure and support remained unheard.

“For years, we have wanted a better port, something to help us manage the growing number of tourists,” Margarita says with her voice, littered with powerlessness. “We need help to preserve the identity of the island – its unique environment, the seismic and volcanic forces that shape it. We are grateful for the tourists, but we also need to protect what Santorini does special.”

Tourism has become the vital power of Santorini’s economy. The island contributes about 2.5% to GDP in Greece, approximately 5.9 billion euros (€ 4.9 billion) every year.

As the tremors continue, the future of Santorini’s economy remains uncertain. Will his prosperity withstand the trembling land? Santorini’s people are worried that the fragility of the island may soon extend beyond the earth.

“I’m sorry how gambling the island’s development is with the growth of tourism,” says Eirini, who is temporarily in Athens, not for fear, but for routine medical tests. “We have damaged the natural environment here. Now, with the continuation of earthquakes, there is a real risk that we could lose the whole tourist season.”

Scientists may not know when the shaking will stop, but instead of succumbing to fear, some residents have chosen to understand the phenomenon, hoping that this will bring them reassurance to the unknown.

“I’m trying to think what’s going on with kindness,” Margarita said thoughtfully. “It is felt that something is being established there. Everything we admire Santorini today – beauty, the hero – is shaped by the volcano and his seismic powers.”

“We are the most beloved island,” says Mattaos, his voice, full of pride. “And I believe we are the most beautiful of all islands in Greece. We will get out of this stronger.”