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

Scientists have detected several thousand earthquakes, most with small magnitudes, in just over two weeks near Greece’s volcanic island of Santorini.

The threat of a more major earthquake seems to have subsided on the most visited of the Greek islands but experts disagree on the origin of the tremors that have caused 11,000 of the 15,000 permanent residents to flee.

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 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,