Greece orders schools to close as quakes shake Santorini island

Schools on the Greek tourist island of Santorini will remain closed on Monday after more than 200 small earthquakes shook the region, civil protection authorities announced.

The government ordered the move after a series of tremors in the sea around Santorini and surrounding islands, the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Authorities said the quakes were triggered by tectonic rather than volcanic activity.

Greek authorities called for citizens to avoid large gatherings in enclosed spaces and stay away from certain ports of Santorini, derelict buildings and to empty swimming pools of their water.

The same measures are also taken for the neighbouring small islands like Amorgos. It was also announced that the Prime Minister, will hold a meeting Sunday evening to discuss the events. Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands for tourists.