Tremors and Tenacity: Life on Amorgos Amidst Earthquakes

For three weeks, the serene island of Amorgos has been shaken by nearly 20,000 earthquakes, leaving its 1,900 residents grappling with anxiety. Teacher Dionysia Kobaiou conducts remote classes, reassuring students who wonder if they should take cover during tremors. “We could protect ourselves during the pandemic, but now we live with uncertainty,” she says.

The recent seismic swarm, including a 5.1-magnitude quake, has prompted a state of emergency until March 11. While the tremors have caused no significant damage, they’ve unsettled the community. Mayor Lefteris Karaiskos notes that most residents remain on the island, while thousands have fled Santorini.

Amorgos, accessible only by a lengthy ferry ride, is eerily quiet. As locals reflect on past disasters, concerns about the impact on tourism arise. “Don’t scare people away; otherwise, they won’t come this summer!” pleads one resident.

Despite the tremors, the spirit of Amorgos endures, embodying resilience amid nature’s unpredictability.