On September 14, 2024, the azure coastline wasn't spared by an earthquake. Exactly at 8:47 PM, the ground began to shake, registering a magnitude of 4.3 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of this quake was located about 90 kilometers southeast of Cannes, right in the Mediterranean Sea. The tremors were felt throughout the region, from Mandelieu to Menton, passing through Nice and Antibes.
Bonjour, tranquillement installé sur mon canapé, j'ai ressenti le seisme à Nice aéroport. Impressionnant.
— momopetitbout (@momo262931) September 15, 2024
The epicenter of the earthquake is located 58 kilometers from Sainte-Maxime and 80 kilometers from Cannes, submerged under the Mediterranean. Sismoazur seismologists reported that the tremor was felt not only along the coast but also in towns a bit higher up, like La Colle-sur-Loup and Vallauris. The shocks were strong enough to be noticed inside homes, but not strong enough to cause any real damage. Additionally, reactions on social media came in quickly. Many residents shared their experiences, ranging from surprise to concern, showing that the earthquake was truly felt!
A region familiar with earthquakes
Don’t worry, this isn’t the first time the Côte d’Azur has been shaken by a quake. Last May, a similar earthquake of magnitude 4.1 was recorded in the Nice hinterland. As Stéphane Liautaud from Le Figaro explains, microquakes are almost daily in this region due to the tectonic plates beneath the Mediterranean, and they are often harmless. The good news is that no damage or casualties have been reported following this quake. The authorities confirm that the depth of 19 kilometers of the epicenter likely softened the impact of the tremor.