Repeated earthquakes are rattling Greece’s volcanic island of Santorini. Scientists say the quakes aren't related to a slight increase in volcanic activity that has also been registered recently.

The hundreds of earthquakes that have rattled Greek islands on the Aegean Sea are a “seismic swarm" and could continue for weeks before eventually diminishing, the Santorini mayor told The Associated Press on Tuesday — pausing to chuckle as new tremors shook items on his desk.

Thousands of people evacuated Santorini after a series of earthquakes in recent days hit the picturesque Greek island with fears of additional tremors.

More Greek islands closed schools Tuesday as hundreds of earthquakes rattled the Aegean Sea, while a handful of hardy tourists enjoyed having Santorini’s stunning views to themselves. Thousands of residents and seasonal workers have left the Cycladic Islands as hundreds of quakes up to magnitude 5 were recorded in the volcanic region since Friday.

More than 200 undersea earthquakes have been detected near the Greek island of Santorini over the past three days, worrying Greek experts and island residents alike.

Schools have been shut and public gatherings are being discouraged on the Greek island of Santorini as local authorities put the popular tourist spot on high alert for a big earthquake, following scores of small temblors over the last two days.

The strongest earthquake recorded was magnitude 4.6 at 3:55 p.m. Sunday, at a depth of 14 kilometers (9 miles), the Athens Geodynamic Institute said.