An earthquake measuring an estimated 3.7 on the Richter scale was recorded at 10.39pm on Thursday in the west of the Vosges department, according to initial figures from the National Seismic Monitoring Network (Renass). The quake’s epicentre was located between the towns of Sauville and Robécourt, at a depth of approximately 17km, though these early details still require further analysis by seismologists. The tremor was felt in numerous places throughout the Vosges, both west and east, and reports also came in from residents in parts of Meurthe-et-Moselle and Meuse.
In areas closest to the presumed epicentre, the earthquake was particularly noticeable. Vrécourt mayor René Gaudez told regional newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain that he heard "a loud boom" and that his entire house shook. In Sauville, a resident reported a tremor lasting around five seconds, enough for a glass door to visibly rattle. Meanwhile, in Contrexéville, another witness described a very brief noise, comparing it to a clap of thunder. The Epinal area, by contrast, appears to have been largely unaffected.
So far, there have been no reports of injuries or major property damage as a result of the earthquake. Dozens of residents took to social media on Thursday night to share their experiences, describing the tremor as strong enough to startle or even wake them. The National Seismic Monitoring Network is still working to confirm the exact magnitude and location of the event.
