A significant earthquake struck the Alpes-Maritimes region of France on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at precisely 18h45, registering a magnitude of 4.1. The quake, which had its epicenter located between Contes and Coaraze, was felt widely across the area, with many residents reporting a sensation reminiscent of a disturbance beneath their homes. “It felt like a train was passing under the house,” said a resident from Grasse, vividly describing the experience.
The immediate aftermath of the main quake included a notable aftershock recorded shortly thereafter, at 18h55, which measured 1.8 in magnitude and was centered in Coaraze. By 22h25, another aftershock of magnitude 3.8 was again felt across the department, with its epicenter located in the vicinity of Saint-Blaise, near Nice.
According to the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Hugues Moutouh, there have been no reported injuries or structural damage resulting from these seismic events. “Aucune notion de victime ni d'impact structurel pour l'instant,” Moutouh confirmed, reassuring the public via social media platforms. His communication emphasized the importance of remaining calm and not overwhelming emergency services with non-urgent queries.
The day saw approximately fifteen earthquakes recorded between 18h and 23h, most of them ranging around a magnitude of 1, which were too minor to be felt by residents. Geologists explained that smaller aftershocks are a common occurrence following a larger seismic event, with experts noting: “Ce phénomène de réplique de magnitude moindre, dans les heures et jours suivant le 1er événement, est habituel selon les experts sismiques.”
Despite the frequency of these earthquakes, local authorities remain vigilant. The prefect reiterated that there is no risk of tsunami and that the state services are mobilized to assess the overall situation. In a region familiar with seismic activity, the latest quakes serve as a reminder of the geological dynamics at play.
“It’s a magnitude too small to cause injuries, but the sensation can be strong,” discussed a geologist later in the evening, further explaining how vibrations could disturb household items but typically do not lead to serious consequences.
Moreover, since late last year, the Alpes-Maritimes region has experienced several tremors of similar magnitudes. Notably, seismic activity peaked in December 2024, when a magnitude 4 earthquake also rattled the area. Residents are understandably cautious, recalling those occurrences, and the fear of more significant tremors remains palpable.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, they encourage residents to report suspicious sounds or sensations that could indicate seismic activity. The public is reminded to stay informed through official channels and heed safety guidelines from local governments to prepare for possible further aftershocks.
While the tremors have led to an increase in calls to emergency services, the overall message from the authorities is of reassurance. "Aucun blessé mais de nombreux appels reçus par les services de secours," stated the prefect, illustrating that while concern is valid, the systematic response is part of being prudent in such scenarios.
As night fell on the Côte d'Azur, residents were left to reflect on the day's seismic events, some sharing their experiences on social media platforms, where anecdotal accounts highlighted the connection between community and natural phenomena. In times like these, such connections foster deeper awareness about one's own surroundings and the forces that shape them.
The overall consensus among geologists, emergency services, and local leaders remains clear: vigilance is key, and while the earthquakes of March 18, 2025, have left an indelible mark, the population is largely safe and sound. As history shows, the Alpes-Maritimes, though often rocked by nature, continues to thrive resiliently.
