Earthquake strikes Puy-de-Dôme

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 struck the Puy-de-Dôme region in France during the night of October 21 to 22, 2026, around 4 a.m. The epicenter is believed to be near Ambert, a city in the same region.

Magnitude and depth details

The earthquake initially had an estimated depth of 13 kilometers, but further analysis revised it to about 10 kilometers beneath the surface. This shallow depth explains why the tremors were more widely felt than earthquakes of similar magnitude at greater depths.

Earthquake risk in France

Earthquakes are generally rare and weak in the Massif Central region, which includes Puy-de-Dôme. However, areas such as the Pyrenees, the Alps, and parts of the Vosges are considered to have a higher risk of seismic activity.

Recent seismic history

The most recent earthquake of similar strength in the region occurred in 2022 in Montluçon, in the Allier department, about 100 kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand. That earthquake had a magnitude of 4.2 but caused no damage or injuries.

Tremors felt across multiple cities

Tremors from the recent earthquake were felt in several cities, including Issoire, Cournon-d’Auvergne, Roanne, and Saint-Etienne, all located about sixty kilometers from the epicenter. Local media have reported no significant damage or injuries so far.

Depth's impact on earthquake effects

Earthquakes at shallow depths, such as 10 kilometers, can have greater intensity and cause more damage compared to those at greater depths, even if their magnitude is lower. This was demonstrated in Agadir, Morocco, in 1960, where a 5.7 magnitude earthquake caused significant damage due to its shallow depth.

Current reports on the earthquake

As of October 22 before 10 a.m., the National Seismic Surveillance Network (RENASS) had received 27 reports of tremors related to the earthquake, indicating that the event was widely felt across the region.