A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck Nice at approximately 18:45 on March 18, 2025, shaking the Côte d'Azur and nearby regions. The earthquake's epicenter was pinpointed about 15 kilometers north of Nice, between the municipalities of Contes and Coaraze, leading to wide-scale tremors felt across the Alpes-Maritimes and as far as Italy.
The earthquake was noted not just for its strength but also for how widely it was experienced, with reports coming from locations such as eastern Var and Monaco, as well as southern Italy's Imperia. Local residents quickly took to social media to share their experiences, with many recalling previous tremors they had felt. For instance, one local recalled, “I hadn’t felt one since the December 1989 earthquake in Nice,” mentioning how this recent tremor felt like a small explosion shaking their home.
Soon after the initial quake, at around 22:30, a 3.8 magnitude aftershock was recorded, linking back to the same epicenter. The firefighters of Alpes-Maritimes reported a surge of calls regarding the earthquake, although they assured that there were no reports of injuries or structural damage. Hugues Moutouh, the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, confirmed the situation, stating, “No risk of tsunami, nor expected effects on infrastructure,” allaying fears among the local populace.
In the aftermath of the tremors, various accounts emerged detailing the intensity and peculiar nature of the shakes experienced. For example, Maxime André, a 34-year-old resident of Antibes, described, “We were in the apartment and felt small objects move; I saw the mirror vibrating; it lasted for about three seconds.”
Many in Nice reported feeling the shaking subside after a few brief, yet intense moments. Slimane, a 26-year-old commercial worker, recounted that he remained frozen at his computer when the tremors passed, feeling as though the building might collapse. He shared, “I thought it was Vladimir attacking us at first, but then quickly realized it was a quake.”
The tremors caused many to recall the active seismic history of the region, though such strong earthquakes are indeed rare. Authorities reassured residents that they do have plans in place for earthquakes, which include regular evaluations and prevention programs for schools. Every year, approximately 3,500 students in Nice are educated about seismic safety protocols.
In a statement, Mayor Christian Estrosi articulated, “We are monitoring the situation closely. There has been no report of damage or casualties, and our emergency services are fully mobilized.”
Despite the nerve-wracking experience, the community remained resilient, sharing stories and supporting one another. Residents reflected on how moments such as these, although alarming, remind them of the subtleties of living in a region prone to seismic activity. “It’s worry-inducing,” Mous said, who spoke from his apartment, “but it’s something us locals have grown accustomed to.”
Experts from the Bureau Central Sismologique Français noted that repeated seismic activity is not uncommon in the Mediterranean region. “We do have seismic faults that can unexpectedly shift and cause tremors like this,” said geologist Christophe Larroque, explaining the geological complexities underlying the Côte d'Azur.
As the day wound down, citizens attempted to return to normalcy while ensuring safety measures were adhered to. Social media profiles, too, echoed calls for calm, with officials advising residents on safe practices to observe during tremors. “Stay away from windows, and stay low to the ground,” the civil protection unit advised online, reiterating similar guidance as the earthquake experience subsided.
After the first tremor, a 2.1 magnitude aftershock was also recorded shortly after, reinforcing the belief that secondary tremors can often follow significant earthquakes, a habit described by experts as typical behavior in such geologically active regions.
In conclusion, while the earthquake of March 18th was a significant event for many residents, the lack of injuries or severe damages demonstrates the effectiveness of established disaster preparedness protocols, both in community awareness and structural safety measures.
