A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Tuscany region of Italy, with its epicenter just four miles from the historic city of Pisa. The earthquake, which occurred at around 10:15 am local time, was felt across northern Tuscany, affecting areas such as Lucca, Pisa, and Massa-Carrara.
The epicenter of the earthquake was near San Piero a Grado, approximately seven kilometers from Pisa, at a shallow depth of about eight kilometers, as reported by Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The relatively shallow depth of the quake contributed to its widespread impact across northern Tuscany.
Following the earthquake, regional governor Eugenio Giani confirmed ongoing checks with the regional emergency system, stating that the seismic activity was strongly felt throughout northern Tuscany. A second tremor of 3.2 magnitude was recorded by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) at 1:04 pm, with its epicenter located around five kilometers from Pisa at a depth of 11 kilometers.
After the initial earthquake, Bernard Dika, undersecretary to the presidency of the Tuscany region, mentioned on social media the high volume of emergency calls received and the precautionary evacuations taking place. Three families were evacuated from a building in San Giuliano Terme near Pisa due to structural concerns caused by the earthquake.
Fortunately, no injuries or significant damage have been reported. The earthquake prompted precautionary evacuations in Pisa, with residents gathering in the streets as a safety measure. Court hearings at the local courthouse were suspended, and the city hall was evacuated briefly before residents and employees were allowed to return post-inspections.
Rail services on several lines were temporarily suspended for technical checks on infrastructure, but tourist sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and museums in Piazza dei Miracoli were unaffected and remained open to visitors amidst the seismic activity.
