Xheni Baja, a 20-year-old Albanian woman, has been living and working as a receptionist in a hotel on the Greek island of Santorini for several years. Recently, the island has been rocked by a series of earthquakes, causing widespread fear among the local population and raising concerns among experts.
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| Xheni Baja |
In an interview with Protothema, Xheni explained why she decided to stay on the island despite the growing risk. "I could have gone to Athens or back to Albania, but I didn’t choose that option. I decided to stay here," she said. Initially, the situation didn’t seem alarming to her, and she didn’t even consider leaving. However, as the tremors continued, the frequency and intensity of the earthquakes have caused her to reflect more on her decision. "As a resident of the island, I’m used to earthquakes, but not this frequency," Xheni added.
While her family members have left the island for safety, Xheni has chosen to remain, even as the seismic activity continues. "Life here in Santorini goes on, even if the ground shakes every hour," she said, emphasizing her determination to continue living in the place she calls home.
Thousands of residents are fleeing the island, with around 6,000 citizens having already left by ferry since Sunday, according to local media. Over 300 tremors have been recorded in the last 48 hours near the island. Experts predict that seismic activity could persist for weeks, creating an uncertain future for the residents.
In response to the ongoing crisis, local authorities have closed schools for the week and urged people to avoid gatherings in confined spaces. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on citizens to remain calm and follow safety guidelines as the situation unfolds.
For Xheni, life in Santorini continues, despite the seismic turmoil. Her resilience and determination to stay show the strength and adaptability of those who call this island home, even in the face of unexpected and frightening challenges.