Ligurian earthquake strikes the French Riviera coast
- When
- 1887
- Where
- off the coast of Imperia, Italy
- Episodes
- 1
The 1887 Liguria earthquake struck off the coast of Imperia, Italy, on 23 February 1887. With an estimated magnitude of 6.8–6.9, it caused widespread damage in Northwest Italy and limited damage on the French Riviera. A landslide-generated tsunami in Menton contributed to the death toll, which is reported as between 600 and 3,000 people.
Episodes
Background and detail
Background. The earthquake occurred on the early morning of 23 February 1887, centered off the coast of Imperia, Italy. It had an estimated moment magnitude of 6.8–6.9. The event resulted in significant casualties, with estimates ranging from 600 to 3,000 deaths. The tremor affected regions in Northwest Italy and the southeastern coast of France.
Damage. Widespread damage occurred along the coast of Northwest Italy, particularly in the towns of Imperia and Diano Marina. On the French Riviera, damage was limited. However, a tsunami generated by a landslide in Menton increased the death toll in that town.
Sources
- 1887 Liguria earthquake Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-15
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