Earthquake Hits Côte d’Azur: Key Details
On Monday, December 16, 2024, a mild earthquake caused notable tremors across the Côte d’Azur, startling residents in several regions. The quake, measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale, occurred at approximately 10:20 PM, with vibrations felt as far as Italy.
Epicenter and Depth
According to Sismoazur, the earthquake’s epicenter was located offshore, about 30 kilometers from Nice and Monaco, at a shallow depth of just 2 kilometers.
Regions affected include the Alpes-Maritimes, parts of the Var, and border areas in Italy.
Residents Share Their Experiences
Shortly after the tremors, residents flooded the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (CSEM) with testimonies:
- “A loud boom”, reported a resident from Biot.
- “My chair moved, the windows shook, and the whole apartment felt the vibrations”, said someone from Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
- “We were suddenly woken up by strong shaking”, mentioned a resident of Sospel.
- “Everything shook, I’m still in shock, but thankfully the children were asleep”, described someone from Carros.
Reports also came in from towns including Nice, Grasse, Antibes, Menton, Roquefort-les-Pins, and parts of the Var such as Montauroux and Draguignan, as well as Bordighera in Italy.
No Emergency Interventions Required
Despite the widespread tremors, the Alpes-Maritimes Fire and Rescue Department (Sdis06) confirmed that there were no emergency calls or major incidents requiring intervention.
Conclusion: A Fright Without Damage
While the earthquake caused widespread concern, it fortunately resulted in no injuries or damages. The incident serves as a reminder of the seismic activity prevalent in the Mediterranean region and the importance of staying alert to such events.
BBC NEWS, CNN, GUARDIANS
