Following the recent earthquakes on Santorini, global travel insurance experts, World Nomads, share their safety tips on what to do if you find yourself in an earthquake-impacted area
Photo © Getty Images / Westend61
London (Februay 10, 2025) - With the popular Greek island of Santorini recently being hit by a series of earthquakes, thousands are now fleeing the island to get to safety. As Greece is one of Europe’s most earthquake-prone countries, many residents will know the next steps but tourists may be less knowledgeable about what to do during these unpredictable natural events.
Global travel insurance experts, World Nomads, have shared their essential safety advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake hits should you find yourself in an impacted area.
Preparing for an earthquake
Although there’s no way to predict exactly when and where an earthquake is going to happen, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself if visiting earthquake-prone destinations.
If travelling to an area prone to earthquakes, have an emergency kit with the following items on your person:
- Mobile phone
- Food
- Water
- Water purification tablets
- Money
- First-aid kit
- Fully charged power bank
- Key documents like passports and travel insurance policies
Other key steps to take in order to prepare are:
- Ensure that you have the phone numbers of important contacts saved in your phone, but also have a written copy with you in case your phone gets lost or runs out of battery - key numbers include an emergency contact at home and the embassy. Phone numbers of local friends, the airline, tour company and travel insurance company are also useful ones to consider
- At your accommodation, identify the nearest evacuation point that’s an open area away from overhanging trees, power lines and bridges
- Should you be in your room when an earthquake hits, make sure you’ve identified safe places there, such as underneath sturdy furniture or a space against an internal wall away from windows or heavy furniture
- If staying in a coastal area, consider the risks of secondary dangers such as tsunamis and head for higher ground, or in hilly areas that could be affected by landslides, find flat and open ground
- Do research ahead of time on whether an area has any earthquake warnings to ensure that your travel insurance policy will cover you - if you buy a policy after an earthquake, any expenses you accrue won’t be covered.
- Staying safe during an earthquake
If you find yourself in the midst of an earthquake, take the following steps:
- If outside or near an exit: Move to an open space away from buildings, trees, powerlines, and bridges. Get on the ground and cover your head.
- If inside and not near an exit: Stay inside, find a safe spot away from falling objects, crouch, and cover your head. Unless in an old adobe or wood house, seek shelter under strong furniture or against an internal wall.
- Avoid running outside: Many injuries happen from falls while trying to escape.
- Avoid bathtubs and "triangle of life" spaces: The main danger is falling objects - hide under a sturdy table or bed for protection.
- If in bed: Stay put and cover your head with a pillow.
- If in a wheelchair: Move away from falling hazards, lock the wheels, and cover your head with your arms.
What to do after an earthquake
When safe to do so, head straight to your evacuation points, making sure you have your emergency kit with you.
If you can, reach out to the embassy and let your emergency contact know that you’re safe so they can relay this to your other friends and family whilst you save your phone battery. Social media also offers a number of check-in options so that you can mark yourself safe amidst a natural disaster.
Should you find yourself trapped, try not to move in order to preserve your energy and to avoid circulating dust. Only call for help if you hear people nearby and try to conserve your food and water supplies.
Jonathan Frankham, General Manager for World Nomads, UK & EU, says, "With Greece experiencing an average of 23 earthquakes per year, it’s a destination where travellers should be prepared for unexpected disruptions. The recent tremors in Santorini serve as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic activity.
“At World Nomads, we understand the challenges travellers face in natural disasters, which is why our Explorer Plan provides cover for trip disruptions, substitute accommodation, and emergency medical assistance in the event of a natural catastrophe, including earthquakes.
“Being informed, having an emergency plan, and ensuring you have the right level of travel insurance can make all the difference when navigating such events abroad. It's important to note that coverage is only available if the policy was purchased before the natural catastrophe became a known event. Additionally, travellers are expected to follow the advice of local authorities and take reasonable measures to minimize their expenses.”
World Nomads offer cover for natural catastrophes such as earthquakes with their Explorer Plan. Please see full details here.
ABOUT WORLD NOMADS
Since 2002, World Nomads has been protecting, connecting and inspiring adventurous and independent travelers by offering specialized travel insurance and safety advice.
Our travel insurance products cover travelers from more than 100 countries. World Nomads focuses on what we believe is important to travelers: emergency medical and evacuation costs, baggage cover, trip cancellation, trip delay and trip interruption costs. We offer cover for more than 250 adventure sports and activities, plus tech and gear. We believe travelers have the responsibility to give back, and through our Footprints program, customers can add a small donation to the price of their plan to help fund a community development project with one of World Nomads’ global nonprofit and charity partners.
We are part of a suite of global specialist travel insurers owned by nib Group, Australia’s third-largest provider of travel insurance and a leading global distributor of travel insurance through nib Travel. nib Group also provides health and medical insurance to more than 1.6 million Australian and New Zealand residents and more than 200,000 international students and workers in Australia.
Media Contacts:
World Nomads
Graham Lynch, World Nomads, UK & Europe
+353 876 831 784