ATHENS, Greece — Scientists have detected several thousand earthquakes, the vast majority of them with small magnitudes, in just over two weeks near Greece’s volcanic island of Santorini, the University of Athens’ crisis management committee said Tuesday, adding that a larger quake cannot be ruled out.

The Greek island has a long history of earthquakes, but what is causing the recent series of quakes has scientists perplexed.

Thousands of locals and travelers have evacuated the Greek island of Santorini amidst a spike in seismic activity.

The Greek island of Santorini was struck by the latest in a string of earthquakes Tuesday, this time a 4.8 temblor. The government said it will backstop the island destination's tourist industry.

The Greek island of Santorini is still shaking. Tourists and locals have already fled to the mainland, while emergency services on site are ready to intervene. An earthquake was even felt in Athens.

The popular Greek holiday island of Santorini has been hit by its strongest earthquake yet as medical staff prepare to evacuate. The latest quake, one of hundreds to hit the volcanic island in recent weeks,