What's New in Chamonix?

The Observatory of Grenoble recorded significant seismic activity today (Thursday) at 13.27 local time, measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was approximately located near the Col des Montets, in the Aiguilles Rouge massif, about 12kms north east of Chamonix town.

The earthquake was reported to have been felt as far away as the Rhone Alps and Savoie regions. With the quake only registering 4.5 on the Richter scale, little or slight damage it to be expected.

The last recorded seismic shift was recorded in the Aiguilles Rouge massif in 1905, where a magnitude of between 5 and 6 was experienced, causing significant damage in the valley.

Abnormal seismic activity had been detected by the Observatory in the past few days with activity between 0.9 and 1.5 being recorded on the 03 September and 05 September. From a tectonic point of view, the activity is localised to a known geological fault running in a NE-SW direction, between Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Rouge. It is possible that further tremors may be felt over the coming days.

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