About the site
If your location is not correct:
- For Android devices:
First, swipe down your mobile device from the top of the screen to open the notification panel. If 'Location' is off, just tap the 'Location' icon to activate it
(this can be done via the setting menu as well).
Then, make sure your location is activated wihtin your browser application:
1. please go to the 'Application Management' or 'Application Manager' of your mobile device (via the ‘Settings’ menu).
2. Select your browser application from the application list.
3. In the application information, check 'Permissions' to make sure that 'Location' is 'Allowed'.
- For iOS devices:
1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
2. Make sure that Location Services is on.
3. Scroll down to find your browser application (Safari or another)
4. Tap the app and select the appropriate option for allowing access to Location Services
Note that the permission for localisation within the mobile site will be asked when loading or refreshing the home page, or when submitting your comment.
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I denied access to my location, can I change that?
Of course you can!
- For Android devices:
First, swipe down your mobile device from the top of the screen to open the notification panel. If 'Location' is off, just tap the 'Location' icon to activate it
(this can be done via the setting menu as well).
Then, make sure your location is activated wihtin your browser application:
1. please go to the 'Application Management' or 'Application Manager' of your mobile device (via the ‘Settings’ menu).
2. Select your browser application from the application list.
3. In the application information, check 'Permissions' to make sure that 'Location' is 'Allowed'.
- For iOS devices:
1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
2. Make sure that Location Services is on.
3. Scroll down to find your browser application (Safari or another)
4. Tap the app and select the appropriate option for allowing access to Location Services
Note that the permission for localisation within the mobile site will be asked when loading ore refreshing the home page or when submitting your comment.
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I have a question, whom should I contact?
Can’t find your question in the FAQ? Email us at:
We’d be happy to help you.
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About LastQuake
How does EMSC detect earthquakes?
EMSC gathers seismic locations contributed by more than 150
Seismological Institutes around the world.
At the same time, EMSC can also detect seismic events using crowdsourced systems* with earthquake witnesses becoming real-time seismic sensors.
- The EMSC information system is composed of:
- - a classic website
- - a website for mobile devices
- - a mobile application, called LastQuake
- - a Twitter quakebot
These four platforms are closely and continuously monitored by the EMSC staff.
When people experience a sudden tremor, they immediately consult the internet (social networks, blogs, news, etc) and search for information about the shaking they just felt.
- This rapid convergence of people looking for information produces:
- - a massive increase of traffic to the EMSC website;
- - concomitant launches of LastQuake mobile app;
- - a surge in the number of tweets containing the keyword “earthquake” in various languages.
These three methods are complementary and allow the EMSC to detect an earthquake within 15–120 s from the earthquake’s onset without analyzing seismic signals.
- To locate the earthquake without running any analysis on seismic data, the EMSC needs:
- - the IP address of the website visitors
- - the mobile phone location of the mobile website visitors
- - the location of LastQuake app users
- - a descriptive location in the user's twitter profile
Learn more about the EMSC earthquake detection system.
The users location is anonymously used by the EMSC.
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* crowdsourced system: participative activity where the public voluntarily share their experience, knowledge, information, and data to collaborate with an organization and achieve mutual aid and common goals.
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Where does data come from?
EMSC exploits two types of data: testimonies from earthquake witnesses and seismic data from official institutes.
- Felt reports, comments, pictures, and videos are the testimonies citizens share with the EMSC via:
- - the classic and mobile websites
- - LastQuake mobile app
- - Twitter
Earthquake location, origin time, P- and S-wave arrival times, and magnitude are the seismic data contributed by more than 150
Seismological Institutes around the world.
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Some earthquakes have no magnitude, why?
When an earthquake occurs, reliable earthquake information can take several minutes before being published on the official websites
and the LastQuake app.
Crowdsourced earthquake detection is very fast. It can happen sometimes that an earthquake is felt by the population, but seismological
data takes more time than usual to be analyzed.
In these cases, we display a possible felt event in a certain region, even though precise information on the earthquake parameters,
such as the magnitude, are not available yet.
Detailed information on the seismic event is updated and published as soon as the earthquake parameters have been retrieved with
confidence.
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Are there earthquakes near me?
To check if there have been earthquakes near your location, download LastQuake and open the main page. On the top bar of the main page you will find three buttons:
- SIGNIFICANT
Here, only felt, strong, or tsunami triggering earthquakes are listed
- NEAR ME
Here, all earthquakes having a minimum magnitude value and occurring within a maximum distance from your location are listed. To change the minimum magnitude value and/or the maximum distance, go to the MENU. Click on ‘Settings’ and on ‘Earthquake Settings’. Here you can change the parameters for the minimum magnitude value and the maximum distance.
- ALL
Here, all earthquakes occurring worldwide are listed.
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How can LastQuake trust its witnesses?
LastQuake is a Citizen Science project. Our earthquake witnesses collect and provide us with unique data that is essential to scientific research and public knowledge.
We rely on and trust earthquake witnesses because they voluntarily collaborate to advance earthquake information technology.
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LastQuakers is a free and add-free forum dedicated to our citizen seismology community.
LastQuakers is run by the EMSC and is a platform where you can learn and discuss about earthquakes occurring all over the world.
Enter the forum and exchange ideas and resources about earthquakes with our community!
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About earthquakes
Magnitude vs Intensity
Earthquake magnitude and intensity are both important measurements obtained after an earthquake.
They refer to two different aspects of the seismic event, the size and the damage,
but they are often confused with one another.
The magnitude is a number indicating the size of the seismic event.
An earthquake has only one value of magnitude. Such a value is obtained by analyzing seismic signals.
The more seismic signals are analyzed, and the more time is spent on the analysis, the more accurate the resulting magnitude value will be.
The intensity is a number (written as a Roman numeral) indicating the damage caused by an earthquake.
An earthquake has several intensity values, because the shaking and the damages can vary from place to place depending on the distance from the epicenter.
The intensity is calculated using human observations and reports of felt shaking and damage.
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Why does the magnitude change in the aftermath of an earthquake?
It is not rare that, in the aftermath of an earthquake, seismological agencies report a first estimate of the earthquake magnitude,
but subsequently modify it -downgrading or upgrading it.
Calculating an accurate preliminary magnitude is difficult because the earthquake itself is a complex process.
Besides, several different techniques exist to calculate the earthquake magnitude.
Some techniques are easier to apply and can return an approximate magnitude value within a few seconds from the earthquake onset.
Other methods, on the contrary, are more robust, but require large data sets, extensive analysis, hence longer computing time.
When an earthquake strikes, it is important both for the seismological agencies and the citizens to have rapid preliminary information about the earthquake size.
With more data coming in, and more time dedicated to the analysis, seismologists can, in a longer time range,
return a refined and more accurate value of the earthquake magnitude.
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Are there going to be aftershocks?
Aftershocks are smaller seismic events that follow a major earthquake. If you live near the epicenter of the earthquake,
you are likely going to experience aftershocks in the hours and days that follow the main seismic event.
Aftershocks are unpredictable. However, their frequency in time and magnitude follow well-established empirical,
statistical laws (respectively, the Omori’s Law and the Bath’s Law).
To feel aftershocks in an area that has been hit by an earthquake is absolutely normal. Aftershocks are indeed the way the Earth’s crust rebalances itself after the main shock.
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Why does the magnitude of an earthquake differ from place to place?
Earthquakes do not happen randomly in the Earth’s crust. If we look at the distribution of earthquakes around the globe for the past decades,
we will notice that earthquakes mostly occur at the margins of the tectonic plates.
You might also have noticed that certain regions of the world (e.g., Chile, Japan, Indonesia) are often hit by large (M>7) earthquakes.
These regions are located over the so-called subduction zones, where one tectonic plate moves under the other and sinks into the mantle.
The earthquake magnitude is related to the amount of seismic energy released during the seismic event.
Hence the Earth’s most energetic seismic events typically occur in the subduction zones.
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Traveling to earthquake prone regions
If you are travelling to a seismically active region, it is best to be aware of your surroundings and take some simple precautions,
so you do not put yourself at unnecessary risk.
The information provided below is general guidance that follows best international practice.
- Before you leave
- - familiarise yourself with the advice on what to do in case of an earthquake;
- - register with your country's embassy in the destination to which you're travelling.
In this way, officials can locate and assist you in the event of an emergency.
- When you arrive
- Identify safe places (in the hotel room, in the building, in the surroundings) where to find shelter in the event of an earthquake.
- During an earthquake
- If you're in your hotel room, go immediately to one of your identified safe places. If you are outdoors, move as far away from buildings.
- After and earthquake
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Use your mobile phone for emergency calls only in order to keep lines open for disaster response.
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If you live along the coast in an earthquake-prone region, you may be at risk from tsunamis.
Tsunamis consist of a series of waves that rushes ashore with powerful currents.
Tsunamis can travel farther inland for several hundreds meters, causing flooding and damages.
The first wave may not be the largest or the most damaging one.
Strong waves can indeed last for several hours after the arrival of the first wave.
In the Mediterranean Sea, every coast is exposed to tsunami risk due to the high seismicity of the area.
Since no one can predict with certainty when an earthquake will happen, and a tsunami triggered, it is important that everyone gets prepared in advance.
⇒ Check the Safety tips.
For any further information on the tsunami risk and alert in the Mediterranean Sea, please visit the
CENALT (Centre d'alerte aux tsunamis).
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Can we predict earthquakes?
- To predict an earthquake, seismologists should be able to have precise answers to the following three basic questions:
- - time: when will the earthquake occur?
- - location: where will the earthquake occur?
- - magnitude: how strong will the earthquake be?
Seismologists cannot predict earthquakes at present. They can, nonetheless, estimate the probability of experiencing a seismic event in a specific area within a time window.
This is what seismologists call a probabilistic earthquake forecast.
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Hazard and Risk
Hazard is an event or a situation that is considered dangerous and that can cause damages.
Risk is the potential for a hazard to cause damages.
Seismic hazards are the effects following an earthquake such as the ground shaking, a landslide or a tsunami, a ground rupture or the phenomenon of soil liquefaction. All these events can cause harm, threaten life and properties, and produce losses.
- Seismic risk is defined by the combination of the following 3 elements:
- - Probability that an event of a certain intensity or magnitude occurs;
- - Vulnerability of the populated area affected by the event;
- - Exposition as the human, societal, environmental and systemic entities that will be negatively impacted by the event.
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I felt an earthquake
I felt an earthquake, where can I find more information?
If you are looking for rapid and reliable earthquake information after an earthquake, you can download and use the LastQuake app.
- In addition, you can visit:
- - the EMSC mobile site
- - the EMSC desktop website
- - the EMSC Twitter channel
If you felt the earthquake, you are what we call an earthquake witness. By sharing your experience, you can help the EMSC assess the earthquake damages and disseminate earthquake information.
- Share your testimony by following the “I felt an earthquake” button on:
- - the EMSC mobile website
- - the EMSC desktop website
- - LastQuake
Personal information is private. We do not share, sell, or trade your personal information with anyone.
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What to do in case of an earthquake?
Experiencing an earthquake can be scary: you may fear for your life and the lives of the people around you.
Since no one can predict with certainty when an earthquake will happen, it is important that everyone gets prepared in advance.
⇒ Check the Safety tips.
- During the earthquake:
- Wherever you are (inside, outside), take cover immediately. Move quickly to a nearby safe place.
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- AVOID
- - doorways: doors may slam shut
- - windows: they can broke
- - elevators: in case of a power shutdown, you might get trapped inside
- - coastline: there might be a tsunamis
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- Small earthquake:
- - you may feel the shaking
- - shaking can last a few seconds
- - some minor rattling of objects may occur in your home
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- Large earthquakes:
- - you feel shaking, which can be violent
- - shaking can last up to several minutes
- - you may be unable to walk because of the ground shaking
- - objects could fall over the floor with violent force
- - windows may break
- - lights and power may go off
- After an earthquake
- - stay calm, take care of yourself and the people around you if you are able
- - be prepared for aftershocks
- - follow the authorities’ information and instructions
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You can contribute to LastQuake in many many ways!
- You live in an earthquake-prone region
Download LastQuake! In case of an earthquake, you will get alerted and receive information about the event.
If you feel an earthquake, you can share your testimony and help us improve our understanding of the felt
shaking and the possible damages.
- You do not live in an earthquake-prone region
Download LastQuake to receive information about the earthquakes around the globe. Support our cause and:
- donate to the EMSC to help us improve our free and ad-free services;
- join the LastQuakers Seismology community and learn more about earthquake preparedness and response.
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Data & Confidentiality
Why do you need my location?
A massive increase of traffic, suddenly detected on the websites (classic and mobile), on the LastQuake app, or on Twitter, means an earthquake might have occurred and been felt by the population in a
specific area.
- To constrain the earthquake location and provide a rapid estimate of the earthquake epicenter, the EMSC seismologists need your location, which can be:
- - your IP address, if you are visiting the classic website
- - your mobile phone location, if you are visiting the mobile website or LastQuake app
- - a descriptive location in your twitter profile (i.e., city, country), if you are looking for the word ‘earthquake’ (or its translations in several languages) on Twitter.
If you felt an earthquake, you are an earthquake witness and can act as a seismic sensor for the EMSC seismologists and the community. By visiting our websites, by tweeting or by launching the
app, you can immediately report the time and location of the earthquake.
Our crowdsourcing tools are praised for their high quality, reliability and accuracy. Among them, the LastQuake mobile app stands out as the most efficient tool, both in terms of rapidity
and ease of use.
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What data do you use and how do you use it?
- To rapidly locate the earthquake and to improve public information, EMSC seismologists use a wide range of data:
- - your location, to locate the seismic events
- - felt reports, to create a map showing what people experienced during the earthquake
- - comments, to gather testimonies of the event [we delete offensive comments]
- - geo-located pictures and videos, to gather visual and audible testimonies of the event [we check them for possible copyright infringement].
We value the data that are shared with us. But, most importantly, we value the fundamental rights and freedoms of the persons that are related to that data. Hence, we keep all personal information private and secure under the GDPR.
We do not share, sell, or trade your personal information with anyone.
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How do you assign geographic names?
- EMSC is a non political organization. Our policy concerning geographic names usage standardization follows:
- - the UN rules when they exist, if not
- - the EU rules when they exist, if not
- - the French rules
We understand that geographic names standardization can be a sensitive topic, this is why we always stick to our established rules.
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Citizen Seismology
What is citizen seismology?
Citizen Seismology is a cutting-edge scientific approach based on the collaboration between seismologists
and citizens who have experienced an earthquake. This novel approach is equally beneficial for both
seismologists and citizens and it brings a number of advantages to the fields of seismology, sociology
and risk management.
Advantages to the field of seismology: - - Faster method for earthquake detection;
- - Helps gather useful information for emergency response;
- - Helps disseminate information through the various platforms.
Advantages to the field of sociology: - - Brings a better understanding of the perception that citizens have of earthquakes and the associated risks;
- - New direct means for citizens to communicate their needs (emotional, relational or related to the earthquake information).
Advantages to the field of risk management: - - Helps seismologists support citizens before, during, and after a seismic event thanks to social media;
- - Brings citizens knowledge on the behaviors to adopt in case of an earthquake.
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What is a seismologist?
Seismologists study the genesis and the propagation of seismic waves in the Earth, from its surface to its core.
- Seismic waves can be generated by several, different sources. However, two main sources of seismic waves can be distinguished:
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- - natural, like earthquakes
- - artificial, like underground nuclear tests
In case of an earthquake, seismologists have the task to locate the source, estimate the nature, and evaluate the size (magnitude).
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What is a sociologist and why does a seismological centre need one?
Sociologists study human behavior. They observe and analyze how social, religious, political,cultural and economic aspects influence
the behavior of groups of people and/or individuals.
Earthquakes are one of the world’s greatest disasters. During an earthquake, emotions such as fear, anxiety, panic, and
confusion are quite prevalent among the population. These emotions can lead to a variety of reactions of individuals in response to an emergency situation.
- The role of a sociologist within a seismological institution is:
- - to study individuals’ perception about the earthquake risk;
- - to interpret people’s feelings and behaviors, before, during, and after the earthquake;
- - to evaluate people’s interest and commitment in being prepared, in getting information and
providing some, in properly responding in case of an emergency.
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What information is shared?
Right after an earthquake, citizens can inform the seismologists about the shaking they just felt
and submit a report of their experience through comments, testimonies, pictures, and videos showing
the damages engendered. As for the seismologists, they release information about the location and
the magnitude of the earthquake along with safety tips and an indicative estimate of the earthquake
intensity resulting from the citizens’ testimonies.
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Earthquakes detected and located through citizen seismology
To detect and locate earthquakes, seismologists monitor in real-time the traffic of some of the EMSC platforms.
Detection:
- When a shaking is felt in a certain area, people check EMSC’s platforms:
- - the desktop website
- - the mobile website
- - the Twitter channel
- - the LastQuake mobile app.
The rush of visitors generates a sudden increase in traffic on the platforms, meaning that a seismic event has probably been felt: an earthquake is detected.
Locations:
To map the area where the earthquake was felt, seismologists use the IP addresses of the visitors that rushed to the platforms looking for information.
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Join us on Twitter and Facebook,
download the LastQuake app and spread the information around you! The more people are aware of citizen seismology,
the more efficient our collaboration is. Moreover, citizen seismology aims to better help citizens: the more people are aware of our platforms and
our safety tips, the better they are prepared to face a potential earthquake! If you don’t live in a seismic area but have a friend or a relative
who does, spread the information and invite them to share it as well!
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