The Ligurian Fault made its presence felt once again as a magnitude 4.1 earthquake shook the Riviera on Tuesday evening, March 18. The tremor, though brief, was widely felt across the Alpes-Maritimes, eastern Var, Monaco, and even as far as Imperia, Italy.
A Sudden and Widespread Tremor
The quake struck at 6:45 p.m., with its epicenter near the villages of L’Escarène and Blausasc, approximately 15 kilometers from Nice. While the shaking lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to catch residents off guard. Later that night, at 10:25 p.m., an aftershock measuring 3.7 added to public concern.
No Major Damage Reported
Despite the magnitude of the tremor, no injuries or structural damage were reported. Emergency services were on high alert, handling a surge in calls from concerned residents. Authorities reassured the public, explaining that aftershocks are common following an initial seismic event.
A Seismically Active Region
Experts have long classified the Côte d’Azur as one of France’s most earthquake-prone areas. Dr. Pierre Lemoine, a geophysicist with SeismoFrance, notes that “the closer we are to the Italian border, the more frequent and intense these tremors become.” The Ligurian Fault, which extends from Nice to Genoa, remains the primary driver of regional seismic activity.
What to Do in an Earthquake
Seismologists advise taking immediate precautions:
- -Seek cover under a sturdy table to protect your head.
- -Avoid windows and unstable objects that could fall.
- -If near the coast, move inland to reduce tsunami risk.
- -Refrain from using your phone unless for emergencies.
While earthquakes of this scale are not uncommon, they serve as a reminder that preparedness is key in this ever-active region.