Monaco and the surrounding region recently experienced a series of tremors, prompting concern among residents, but experts have been quick to reassure the public that there is no imminent danger of a catastrophic earthquake…
Highlighted by Monaco Info, geologist Christophe Laroc of the CNRS in Sophia Antipolis explained that while the southeast of France is one of the most seismically active regions in the country, it is not comparable to high-risk zones like California’s San Andreas Fault.
The main tremor, which had a magnitude of 3.8, was widely felt across the Côte d’Azur, lasting a few seconds and accompanied by a rumbling sound that some likened to an explosion. Laroc emphasized that while such earthquakes occur roughly every five to eight years in the region, they remain moderate in intensity. Though historically there have been destructive quakes—such as the one in 1887 that claimed over 600 lives—these events are far less frequent and significantly weaker than the “Big One” scenario feared in California.
The region is currently experiencing typical seismic aftershocks, including a 3.3-magnitude tremor that occurred later the same night. Laroc explained that aftershocks should gradually decrease in intensity over the coming days, though a slightly stronger aftershock remains possible.
Seismologists are unable to predict future earthquakes, but they can analyze patterns. For now, residents are encouraged to stay informed but not to panic. The latest tremors serve as a reminder of Monaco’s geographical realities but do not indicate an impending major disaster.
