Earthquakes wreaking havoc on Santorini could last for months, seismologists have warned, as fears mount for tourist season on the Greek island.

Thousands of tremors have already forced more than 11,000 tourists, residents and workers to flee the picturesque island, and prompted the Greek government to declare a state of emergency.

The “seismic swarm” started to increase in January, though the activity has intensified in recent days, culminating in a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday which was felt in Athens, as well as in Crete and parts of Turkey located hundreds of miles away.

Greece’s Cyclades islands, which are visited by millions of people each year, are set for more seismic activity in the coming days, and with tourist season on the horizon, experts suggest there is no end in sight.

Santorini, known for its whitewashed buildings perched atop steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, welcomed more than three million tourists last year.

Business owners have told The Telegraph that they are worried about the effect the earthquakes will have on their lucrative summer season.