ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.

Authorities deployed emergency rescue crews to Greece's volcanic island of Santorini on Monday as hundreds of people scrambled to leave after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.

Some locals and travelers are choosing to preemptively evacuate the Greek island of Santorini amidst the spike in seismic activity.

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.

Greek officials are warning those on the popular tourist island destination of Santorini to stay alert in the coming days due to increasing seismic activity which could mean a strong earthquake is possible.

Authorities have heightened precautions on Santorini, Greece, following over 200 undersea earthquakes, some up to 4.8 in magnitude, raising earthquake concerns. Schools are closed, and emergency protocols activated for Santorini and nearby islands.

Greece ’s top tourist island has been forced to shut its schools on Monday due to an increase in seismic activity in the area. Authorities have advised people on the Aegean island of Santorini to also avoid two small ports and refrain from gathering in indoor spaces after increased tremors in the area over recent days.

Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged people on the island of Santorini to "stay calm" after an increase in seismic activity. His remarks come as schools were told to close on Monday and authorities advised against large gatherings in enclosed spaces across the island,

Greek authorities have warned of an increase in seismic activity around the Aegean tourist island of Santorini, advising people to avoid four ports, empty their pools, refrain from gathering in indoor spaces and shut schools on Monday.