A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Pisa in Tuscany on Monday morning, causing people to flee buildings in Pisa and Lucca. The epicentre was located just four miles from the historic Tuscan city.
The quake was felt at around 10.15am local time across northern Tuscany, including the provinces of Lucca, Pisa and Massa-Carrara. The epicentre was near San Piero a Grado, approximately seven kilometres from Pisa, at a shallow depth of around eight kilometres, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
Widespread Tremors and Immediate Response
The relatively shallow depth contributed to the tremor being felt widely across northern Tuscany. Tuscany regional governor Eugenio Giani wrote on social media: "Checks are currently under way with the regional emergency system. The strong earthquake was felt throughout northern Tuscany."
A second tremor followed at 1.04pm, with the INGV recording a 3.2-magnitude earthquake. The epicentre was around five kilometres from Pisa, at a depth of 11 kilometres.
Precautionary Evacuations and Safety Measures
Bernard Dika, undersecretary to the presidency of the Tuscany region, wrote on social media after the first quake: "Hundreds of calls have been made to the regional emergency number 112 following the strong earthquake recorded in Pisa, with many people taking to the streets. At the moment, there are no reports of injuries. Some precautionary evacuations are under way in the area."
Three families were evacuated from a building in San Giuliano Terme, near Pisa, according to local newspaper Corriere Fiorentino. The earthquake caused structural instability at the property, requiring further inspections by firefighters. The evacuation was carried out as a precaution.
Impact on Services and Landmarks
No injuries or other significant damage to buildings have been reported. In Pisa, firefighters received numerous calls following the earthquake, which prompted residents to leave their homes and gather in the streets as a precaution, Italian media reported. Court hearings at the local courthouse were suspended, and the city hall was also evacuated as a safety measure. After inspections were completed, residents and employees were allowed to return to the buildings.
Rail services on the Pisa-Empoli, Pisa-Livorno, Pisa-Lucca and Pisa-Viareggio lines were suspended for around four hours, until 3.30pm local time, to allow technical checks on the infrastructure, according to Corriere Fiorentino. The Leaning Tower of Pisa and other museums and monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli were not affected by the earthquake and remain open to visitors.
