A second  Greek island has declared a state of emergency asseries of earthquakes continue to shake the popular tourist hotspots.

The island of Amorgos announced the emergency measure, following a similar decision by nearby Santorini on February 7, after thousands of unusual tremors were detected in an undersea area close to both islands, as well as Ios and Anafi.

Scientists had hoped that the seismic activity was subsiding, but a series of around magnitude five earthquakes has reignited concerns. Seismologists have also observed that the epicentre of the earthquakes is gradually moving northwards towards Amorgos.

The declaration of emergency will expedite the deployment of resources and emergency services. The region has already witnessed a significant mobilisation of fire departments, police, coastguard and armed forces, primarily on Santorini, where thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated the island.

According to the University of Athens’ crisis management committee, approximately 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than one have been recorded since January 26.

Greece, despite being located in a highly seismically active region where earthquakes are common, is not accustomed to facing such a relentless onslaught of tremors over an extended period as it is now. There’s an ongoing debate among experts as to whether these continuous quakes are precursors—smaller seismic events indicating a larger one on the horizon—or part of a persistent sequence known as an earthquake swarm, which could persist for weeks, or even months, reports The Mirror.

Noted seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos remarked on the situation, stating that the “possibility is open” that this series of quakes, starting on 24 January and growing more intense by Saturday, may lead up to a significant seismic event.

The picturesque towns of Santorini, globally renowned for their stunning visuals of cascading whitewashed buildings and prime spots for sunset gazing, perch perilously along the edge of the volcanic caldera. While this creates breathtaking scenery, it also raises alarm regarding potential devastation in the event of a major quake.

Additionally, the high cliffs of the island increase the danger of rock falls.