As an earthquake beat Santorini, visitors escape but local people remain exploited

On the calm summer day in Santarini in July July 1956, disaster strikes.

Eries Mindry recalls: “I remember our dog and the odd birds. Then, an earthquake remembered.” The house was open before closing again. Through the roof, I saw the sky. “

7.8 earthquakes, assaulting between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, destroyed a lot of island, and killed 12 minutes later caused further damage. Fifty-three people died.

The island, then, a peaceful town, was numbered and fled.

It is very different today, reconstruction of Greece tours of Greece, but this week, a lot of Expodus occurs as a new earthquake waves hit the island.

Hidden Trimbing Wumen in June 2024 turned full quakeshaking homes and can not hunt island residents. Families spread through the wind and sea, looking forward to breathing as the soil was again famous.

But not all people running away. Those who still show the bold compilation, the need, and a deep connection with the world that has described the locals of the island. They endured not enough night, frustrated by memories of the past and the dread of this yet yet to come.

Margarita Karamolegkou: “It is unbearable. Even in my house, it is too big,” Margarita Karamoleque, local businessman. “I’ve felt tired, day after day, not ending when I see … but I can’t leave my people, and I can’t leave the people left behind.”

This strength is not new. People have resisted social change – 3.4 million visiting the island last year, according to Mayor Nikos Zorzos – and earthquake. Now, like every time, they meet in unity.

“We do our best to support the vulnerability,” said Matthaios Fytros, a local volunteer and seller. “People with disabilities, many years old are striving to go around, and their homes are difficult to reach.

Matthaios and others traveled to the island, confirming that abandoned structures can be robbed and helping anyone in need. “I’m not afraid,” said the quiet conviction. “We are proud of our island. I just trust that everything works and that the disaster ends soon. We will be glad that our guests return with us.”

State response was soon, in steps taken to address this problem. Under gratitude for government intervention, however, it is a bitterness of peace. Many islanders remember years when their infrastructure cries and best support was not heard.

“For years, we have been asked for a better port, something that helps us to manage the growing number of visitors,” said Margarita, his voice was full of frustration. “We need help save island identity – its unique nature, earthquakes, and an amazing volcano. Thank you very much that Santorini is elected.”

Tourism has become a Lantorinian economic economic lifeblood. The island provides 2,5% on Greece GDP, about 5.9 billion euros (£ 4.9 billion) each year.

Since shiver progresses, the future of Santorini is sure. Will her progress will resist the moving world? Santorini people are worried that the island’s fullness will soon convey more than the ground itself.

Esirini says: “I am regret that the development of the island has been happening,” says Ethernini, not a temporary Athens, but to fear of normal treatment. Here. Now, a continuous earthquake, there is a real danger that we can all lose the tourists. “

Scientists may not know when the movement will stop, but instead of receiving the succession of fear, some residents have chosen to understand something, hoping that it will bring it for confirmation on the face of anonymity.

“I try to think about what is happening with kindness,” Margarita said thoughtfully. “It sounds like something is solved there. All we love about Santorini today – Beauty, character – hugged by volcanoes and its earthquake troops.”

“We are the most popular island,” Matthaios said his voice for pride. “And I believe we are very good for all islands in Greece. We will come out of this tight.”