Santorini: Thousands flee as quakes rattle Greek island
CNN1 day
Greece: Mass Exodus as Hundreds of Quakes Rattle Santorini
story
Above: People wait on the quayside to embark on a ferry at the port on the Greek Island of Santorini on Feb. 3, 2025. Image copyright: Aris Messinis/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Over 6K residents have evacuated the Greek island of Santorini since Sunday as some 550 earthquakes have been recorded in the Aegean Sea, with the strongest tremor measuring a magnitude of 4.9.
Authorities in Santorini and neighboring islands have closed schools until Friday, asked people to avoid indoor gatherings, and ordered hotels to empty swimming pools as precautionary measures against potential stronger earthquakes.
Residents have been asked to avoid coastal areas due to landslide risks, particularly in Ammoudi, Armeni, and the Old Port of Fira. At the same time, rescue teams have set up medical tents near the island's main hospital.
The Spin
Narrative A
The mass evacuation of Santorini signifies an abundance of caution rather than immediate danger, as the seismic activity consists primarily of minor tremors that have caused minimal damage and no injuries. Emergency response systems are fully prepared for any escalation. The situation is likely reported exaggeratedly, so people should stay calm and enjoy the amazing, beautiful, picturesque island.
Narrative B
The unprecedented frequency and intensity of the earthquakes, occurring every few minutes, combined with the potential for larger seismic events, justifies the exodus. While these earthquakes may or may not indicate any imminent volcanic eruption or catastrophic event, monitoring the situation closely is essential as the Mediterranean region sits on major tectonic plates with a history of destructive earthquakes.
