World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Earthquake swarm near Ambert shakes parts of France’s Puy-de-Dôme
A series of earthquakes shook the area near Ambert in France’s Puy-de-Dôme region overnight from October 21 to 22.
The strongest tremor was reported at magnitude 3.6 or 3.8, with smaller aftershocks recorded in the morning.
The different figures come from differing reports, and the tremor was felt in nearby towns, including Cournon-d’Auvergne and Issoire.
It was about 10 kilometres underground, a relatively shallow depth that can make a tremor more noticeable at the surface.
The Massif Central has moderate earthquake risk, and the Livradois area is known for seismic activity.
No damage or injuries were reported in the accounts available.
A volcanology professor said more tremors are likely, but their strength cannot currently be predicted.
A series of earthquakes struck near Ambert in France’s Puy-de-Dôme department during the night of 21 to 22 October 2026.
The strongest quake was reported at magnitude 3.8 by ICI and at magnitude 3.6 by Numerama.
The shaking was felt in nearby places, including Cournon-d’Auvergne, and reports also mentioned Issoire, Roanne and Saint-Etienne.
Numerama reported no damage, while ICI said dozens of events were reported overnight and about ten had been confirmed as earthquakes.
A volcanology professor said seismic activity had increased in the area since the previous Friday and further tremors were possible.
- Who
- Residents in the area felt the tremors; a volcanology professor said the activity was part of a local earthquake swarm.
- What
- A series of earthquakes occurred, with the strongest reported at magnitude 3.8 by ICI and 3.6 by Numerama.
- When
- Mainly during the night of 21 to 22 October 2026, with earlier tremors reported from 20 October.
- Where
- Near Ambert in the Puy-de-Dôme department, France, with shaking reported in nearby areas.
- Why
- The cause is not stated. A professor described the activity as an earthquake swarm in a seismically active area.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The first reported tremors began near Ambert, with magnitudes between 1 and 2.2.
A stronger earthquake struck near Ambert; reports differ on its magnitude and exact time.
ICI reported two aftershocks, each at magnitude 2.9.
Numerama reported that 27 accounts of shaking had been sent to RENASS.
- Main location
- Ambert, Puy-de-Dôme, France
- Strongest quake
- Magnitude 3.8 according to ICI; magnitude 3.6 according to Numerama
- Main quake time
- Around 3 a.m. according to ICI; around 4 a.m. according to Numerama
- Aftershocks
- Two at magnitude 2.9, at 6:14 and 7:26 a.m., according to ICI
- Depth estimate
- About 10 kilometres, after an initial estimate of 13 kilometres, according to Numerama
- Reports of shaking
- 27 reports sent to RENASS by before 10 a.m., according to Numerama
3 sources
What people are saying
Since last Friday we have been recording a renewed increase in seismic activity with lots of small earthquakes, what we call a swarm.
It is entirely probable.
I was woken up around 4 a.m.