Seismic swarm between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany: tremors felt overnight between Verghereto and Chiusi della Verna.

The night between December 4th and 5th, 2025, was marked by a sequence of earthquakes that struck the Apennine area on the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, particularly in the areas of Chiusi della Verna, Verghereto, and Bagno di Romagna. The seismic swarm was mild, but strong enough to be felt by residents in several municipalities in the provinces of Arezzo, Forlì-Cesena, Lucca, and Florence. The tremors, recorded by the INGV seismographs, ranged in magnitude from 0.9 to 2.5 and occurred within minutes of each other throughout the night.

The first seismic readings: activity begins at 10:38 PM

The first tremor was recorded at 10:38 PM on Thursday, December 4th, with a magnitude of 2.4 and an epicenter approximately three kilometers northwest of Verghereto. From that moment, seismographs began detecting further earthquakes, all located in the same area. The sequence intensified over the following hours until, at 3:36 AM, the most significant tremor of the night occurred: a magnitude 2.5 event, also located in the municipality of Verghereto, a few kilometers from the border with Tuscany. This area is known for its natural seismic activity, characterized by frequent micro-movements along the Apennines.

From Romagna to Casentino: tremors felt as far as Chiusi della Verna.

Despite their modest intensity, many tremors were clearly felt by residents of nearby towns, particularly between Chiusi della Verna and the Casentino villages. Eyewitnesses describe brief but distinct tremors, felt especially during the quietest periods of the night. None of these tremors exceeded magnitude 2.5, but their repetition in such a short period of time contributed to concern among those who felt multiple vibrations in a matter of hours.

The situation in Emilia-Romagna: Verghereto and Bagno di Romagna are the most affected towns.

In the Romagna region, the activity was concentrated between Verghereto and Bagno di Romagna. In addition to the magnitude 2.5 event at 3:36 AM, other tremors ranging from 0.9 to 2.4 were recorded, including a magnitude 2.3 event that occurred at 2:13 AM south of Bagno di Romagna. This area is not new to such phenomena and in recent years has already been the site of recurrent microseismic events, typical of the Apennine regions.

Movements recorded in Tuscany: Garfagnana and Fiorentino

Tuscany also felt the aftermath of the seismic swarm. Garfagnana, one of the areas with the longest seismic history in the region, recorded small events with magnitudes of 1.3 and 1.4 between Pieve Fosciana and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana. In the Florence province, a further magnitude 0.9 tremor was recorded at 7:20 a.m. in Borgo San Lorenzo, confirming widespread but limited activity that did not cause particular concern among local authorities.

No damage and no need for intervention: the situation remains under control

Despite the series of tremors, no damage to buildings or disruption to the population was reported. Law enforcement received no reports or requests for intervention, and the Civil Protection Department issued no extraordinary announcements. The situation, although being carefully monitored, falls within the normal seismic activity of the Northern Apennines, characterized by minor movements that occur frequently throughout the year.

An earthquake swarm: nature of the phenomenon and why it does not necessarily indicate a strong earthquake

The observed phenomenon is part of what experts call a seismic swarm, a sequence of events occurring close together in time, without the presence of a main earthquake. Unlike sequences following a major event, swarms do not necessarily imply the possibility of a more powerful shock. However, given that this is a geologically active area, the INGV continues to monitor the area constantly to observe any changes in the recorded parameters.

Reactions on social media: concern, but no alarm

In the towns closest to the epicenter, some residents reported on social media that they clearly felt the strongest tremors, especially the one at 3:36 a.m. Comments described a sharp tremor that lasted a few seconds, but was enough to wake those who were sleeping or cause concern for those who were still awake. However, no reports of panic or critical situations emerged, just the natural anxiety in the face of sudden earth movements.

A known risk area: the Apennines between Casentino and Romagna

The affected area falls within an Apennine belt recognized by scholars as seismically active. Between Romagna and Casentino, seismic swarms are not uncommon and often occur in a manner similar to that observed on the night of December 4th. The faults that cross the Apennine ridge regularly generate micro-movements, mostly harmless, but capable of being felt by communities living near the mountain ridges.

Civil Protection recommendations: what to do in the event of an earthquake

Every tremor, even the slightest, reminds us of the importance of good safety practices. In the event of an earthquake inside a building, it's essential to seek shelter in stable areas, such as under a sturdy table or near load-bearing walls, avoiding running toward stairs or exits. Outdoors, however, it's essential to stay away from buildings, trees, poles, and anything that could fall or sway, paying attention to potential secondary consequences such as landslides or subsidence.

An evolving phenomenon: further tremors possible during the day

Experts do not rule out the possibility of further tremors during the day, as frequently occurs in seismic swarms. The INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volunteering) continues to monitor the area, while local governments and the Civil Protection Department remain under observation. However, at this time, the situation is under control and no particularly critical elements have emerged.