Monaco Shaken but Resilient: Recent Earthquakes Highlight Seismic Preparedness

In mid-March 2025, Monaco and the surrounding Alpes-Maritimes region experienced a series of earthquakes that served as a stark reminder of the area’s seismic activity.

On March 18, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck at 18:45, followed by a 3.8-magnitude aftershock at 22:25. Both tremors originated at a shallow depth of 17 kilometers between the communes of Coaraze and Contes, near Nice.

Residents across the Côte d’Azur reported sensations akin to a rumbling train or crashing furniture. Emergency services received numerous calls, but fortunately, no injuries or significant structural damages were reported. The Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes promptly reassured the public, confirming the absence of any tsunami threat.

Monaco, situated in a seismically active zone, felt the tremors distinctly. However, the Principality’s stringent building codes—first implemented in 1966 and reinforced by a 2016 decree—ensured that structures withstood the quakes without issues. These regulations, refined through “microzoning” to account for Monaco’s varied terrain, have been pivotal in safeguarding the city-state’s infrastructure.

In response to public concerns about the possibility of a major earthquake, experts have provided reassuring insights. Geologist Christophe Laroc from the CNRS in Sophia Antipolis highlighted that while southeastern France is among the country’s most seismically active regions, it does not compare to high-risk zones like California’s San Andreas Fault. Laroc noted that earthquakes of this magnitude occur approximately every five to eight years in the region and are considered moderate in intensity.

Interestingly, just three weeks prior to these events, the Spring 2025 edition of Living in Monaco magazine published an article titled “Did you know that Monaco is exposed to earthquake risk?”

The piece discussed the daily occurrence of micro-earthquakes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and emphasized Monaco’s low to moderate risk for larger, damaging earthquakes.

These recent tremors underscore the importance of ongoing vigilance and adherence to building standards designed to mitigate seismic risks. Monaco’s proactive measures continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and resilience of the Principality amidst the ever-present natural forces beneath its surface.