Athens, 7 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - A state of emergency was declared in Santorini on Thursday as the Greek island braces for a potentially powerful earthquake after days of near-constant tremors.

The declaration issued by the Greek Civil Protection Ministry allows authorities to mobilize heavy equipment and emergency personnel for an evacuation without bureaucratic delays.

The situation was tense on Santorini and a nearby group of islands in the Aegean Sea as small quakes continued to rattle the region on Thursday, authorities reported.

On Wednesday night, a magnitude-5.2 quake hit the north-east of Santorini - the strongest jolt since the current series began about two weeks ago.

Most seismologists believe that a more powerful earthquake is imminent, potentially reaching up to magnitude 6. Only then, they say, will the majority of the pent up seismic energy be released.

Other experts suggest that the ongoing "seismic swarm" will continue for some time before gradually subsiding.

Greek media reports indicate that around two-thirds of inhabitants have fled for the Greek mainland via ferries and flights. The number of tourists currently on Santorini is unclear.

The Greek military is to set up field kitchens on Friday so that residents and rescue workers can be supplied with food in an emergency, the news channel Skai reported.

Those remaining are largely staying to protect their property, worried about potential looting in the deserted streets, according to reports. Images show younger locals and police patrolling the villages.

People are advised to stay away from beaches and harbours in the event of a stronger earthquake and the possibility of a tsunami.

Schools in the region remain closed and additional teams from the civil defence force, the fire brigade and medical professionals have been deployed to Santorini, according to Greek broadcaster ERT news.