Despite dozens of minor earthquakes in recent days, Greek scientists have ruled out a massive earthquake hitting Greece's Santorini island.

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.

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.