Santorini's earthquake swarm is declining gradually as thousands return

ABC News - Feb 25th, 2025

An earthquake swarm near the Greek island of Santorini is showing signs of decline after a month-long period of intense seismic activity. The undersea tremors, sometimes occurring minutes apart, prompted thousands to evacuate from Santorini and nearby islands such as Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi. Schools remain closed for a fourth week, and other restrictions are still in place. Despite the challenges, scientists from the University of Athens report a gradual decrease in both the frequency and magnitude of the earthquakes, with no new seismic surges since mid-February. In total, over 20,000 earthquakes with magnitudes of 1 or higher were recorded, with the strongest reaching 5.3 but causing only minor damage.

The ongoing seismic activity is attributed to natural tectonic movements and magma shifts beneath the seabed. Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos, has reported the return of several thousand residents and is urging the government for additional support to manage risks, including rockfall prevention and infrastructure repairs. The situation highlights the need for effective crisis management and preparedness in regions prone to seismic activity, underscoring the potential for significant social and economic impacts even when physical damage is limited.

Greece Santorini Seismic Activity Earthquake Swarm University Of Athens Nikos Zorzos Tectonic Processes Magma Movements

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a well-rounded and accurate account of the decline in seismic activity near Santorini. It draws on credible sources and presents the information in a clear and engaging manner. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency regarding the scientific methodology and more direct perspectives from affected individuals. While it successfully addresses a topic of public interest, its potential impact on public opinion and engagement could be enhanced by including more personal stories and interactive elements. Overall, the story is timely, informative, and accessible, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in the ongoing situation in Santorini.

Accuracy

The news story accurately reports on the decline of the earthquake swarm near Santorini, which is supported by scientific observations. The claim that the seismic activity is declining both in frequency and magnitude is consistent with reports from the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Athens. The article correctly states the number of recorded earthquakes and their magnitudes, with the highest being 5.3, and attributes these to natural tectonic and volcanic processes. However, the specific number of people evacuated and returned, as well as the current status of restrictions and school closures, would benefit from additional verification through official statements or data from local authorities.

Balance

The story provides a balanced view of the situation by including perspectives from both scientists and local authorities. It highlights the scientific assessment of the earthquake swarm and the practical concerns of the local population, such as school closures and the need for government assistance. However, the article could have benefited from including perspectives from residents or workers who were directly affected by the evacuations to provide a more comprehensive view of the impact on daily life.

Clarity

The article is well-written and clearly structured, making it easy for readers to follow the progression of events and understand the current situation. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, which aids in maintaining clarity and comprehension. The logical flow from the scientific explanation to the local impact is well-executed, providing readers with a coherent narrative.

Source quality

The primary sources cited in the article, such as the University of Athens and the Santorini Mayor, are credible and authoritative in the context of this story. The University of Athens provides scientific expertise, while the mayor offers a local governmental perspective. However, the article does not cite any external or independent seismic monitoring agencies, which could have added further credibility and depth to the report.

Transparency

The article does not provide detailed information on the methodology used by the scientists to assess the earthquake swarm, nor does it explain any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting. While the article mentions the source of the scientific data, it lacks transparency in terms of how the data was collected and analyzed. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the reader's understanding of the basis for the claims made.