A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Croatian coast on February 11, 2025, at 18:43 local time, sending tremors across northern Italy, particularly affecting the Marche region.
The quake's epicenter was near Starigrad, about 30 kilometers east of Zadar, with reports indicating its depth at approximately 10 kilometers. Residents across Croatia and Italy reported feeling significant vibrations, with some describing it as sudden and startling. Social media filled with accounts from frightened locals who experienced the jolt.
According to seismological institutions, including the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the earthquake triggered alarms from Ancona to Fano and even as far as Pesaro and Macerata. "It felt like a boom, like an explosion!" shared one resident, echoing sentiments captured across various platforms.
Notably, reports indicated no damages or injuries due to the quake; nonetheless, the fright caused many people to rush outside. "My chandeliers were swaying and my glasses were clinking. We came out to the street, but everything calmed down quickly," reflected another local from the area.
The tremor was not only felt along the Croatian coast but also reached many cities within northern Italy, including those beyond the Marche region, like Venice and Trieste. Eyewitnesses reported experiencing long-lasting vibrations primarily in higher-floored buildings.
Locals reported swift communication across social media, where individuals shared their experiences and mapped out the extent of the quake's reach, noting how their buildings responded—many emphasizing the unexpected nature of the shock.
For those who felt the earthquake, the sensation evoked memories of past seismic events, stirring concerns about safety even though no significant geological activity had been reported prior to this quake.
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the tremor's epicenter was confirmed to be located near coordinates 44.3320 latitude and 15.5360 longitude, presenting worries of possible aftershocks throughout the region.
While the earthquake was alarming, local authorities reassured residents, emphasizing the buildings within the affected areas were largely constructed to withstand such seismic activity. The lack of reported damage reflects this preparedness.
Despite the shaky start to the evening, locals gradually settled as evening fell, though discussions about earthquake readiness began to circulate among residents online and offline. This incident acts as a reminder of the geological factors affecting the region.
Aftershocks are common following significant earthquakes, leading to heightened awareness and monitoring by earthquake detection agencies. The INGV insists they will continue to track the situation closely, as residents remain vigilant about any changes.
Across the Adriatic Sea, officials keep the lines of communication open, ensuring those impacted remain informed. Given the nature of seismic activity within the Mediterranean, residents are encouraged to maintain awareness and preparedness plans.
Overall, February 11 marked yet another reminder of the earth's power beneath the surface, uniting communities across borders as they shared both anecdotes of surprise and relief, standing together against nature's unpredictability.