On the evening of March 18, 2025, a significant earthquake shook the Côte d'Azur, with the epicenter located in Nice, generating substantial alarm among the local population. According to the Bureau Central Sismologique Français (BCSF), the tremor registered at a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale, striking at approximately 18h45. Fortunately, no casualties or major destruction were reported in the aftermath.
The tremor was felt across much of the Alpes-Maritimes department and even reached areas beyond, including parts of the east Var and Monaco. Witnesses described a range of reactions on social media, highlighting the unexpected nature of the quake. "It’s the first time a quake like this has occurred in the region. Impressive... it's really scary," one user noted, echoing the sentiments of many who experienced the jolt.
A minor aftershock measuring 2.1 followed just minutes after the initial quake, prompting increased calls to emergency services from anxious residents. "The ground shook for about three seconds; it was quite long," recounted Maxime André, a 34-year-old resident from Antibes, who described how the tremors affected his home.
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, took to social media to provide reassurances. He confirmed the earthquake's characteristics, stating, "A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was felt today in Nice and the surrounding areas, with the epicenter located 6 km northeast of Carros. No damage has been reported at this stage. An aftershock of magnitude 2.1 was recorded a few minutes later." His comments helped to quell fears during this tense moment.
Meanwhile, local firefighters were inundated with calls as residents sought to clarify whether the situation posed any danger. They reported that while the phone lines were busy, there were no reports of injuries or significant infrastructural damage. The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture confirmed that there was no tsunami risk, a crucial assurance for coastal residents worried about potential aftereffects.
The earthquake lasts only a few seconds generally, but across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), residents shared their experiences. Some highlighted that the shaking had rattled their homes, causing picture frames to sway and furniture to tremble, exemplifying the suddenness of the event. "My daughter thought I was shaking the sofa," shared one parent, while another posted humorously about his drink moving during the quake.
The Prefecture urged the public to follow safety protocols typically advocated during earthquakes. These included staying indoors, moving away from windows, and avoiding coastlines due to the myth surrounding tsunami risks following minor quakes. Communities were reminded to remain vigilant but also to calm their fears given this moderate earthquake was part of a routine seismic landscape.
Christophe Larroque, a geologist from the Géoazur laboratory, explained the geological context of the quake, noting that the southeastern region of France is one of the more seismically active areas in metropolitan territory. "Earthquakes are regularly recorded here," he stated, reassuring locals that such quakes are typically not on the scale that would lead to the kind of catastrophic destruction observed in places like Italy or Japan. His comments reflect a broader understanding of the seismic risks posed to about 13 million people living in this vibrant and popular tourist region.
While the evening of March 18 will be remembered for the shaken nerves it caused, authorities and experts are collaboratively working to ensure that residents are well-prepared should a more severe seismic event happen in the future. The message remains clear: knowing how to respond can mitigate risks and ensure safety in the event of future occurrences.
As communities across the Côte d'Azur reflected on this moment and engaged in discussions about preparedness and resilience, the emphasis on maintaining composure in the face of natural phenomena remains a critical element in safeguarding lives and property. The seismic events, though unsettling, serve as a reminder of the continual need for safety awareness in regions naturally prone to geological activity.
