Seismic Risk Observatory of Andorra

Andorra has moderate seismicity, which means that major earthquakes can occur there, but with a considerable time interval between them.

Through the website terratremols.ad, Andorra Research + Innovation (AR+I) concentrates all the information available on earthquakes and their management in Andorra.

How is Andorra's seismic risk managed?

• Through the observation and monitoring of the seismic activity recorded in the various seismic stations installed in the Andorran territory.

• When an earthquake is felt in the country, a seismic survey is made available to the population which serves to capture the perception of the population and the possible impacts on the buildings and other infrastructures of the country. This survey is done via a web form to be filled in and has an excellent citizen response (see methodology).

• Elaborating reports on the earthquakes perceived in Andorra, analyzing the data from the seismic surveys answered by the population that allow to obtain information about the intensity or intensities with which the earthquake was perceived in Andorra (see repository at the end of this page) .

• Training the school child population and other adult groups such as the various emergency services in the country (Police, Firefighters, Forest Agents...) on what natural risks are (including earthquakes), which most relevant episodes have happened in the country and how to protect ourselves from it.

• Intervening within the Seismic Emergency Action Plan drawn up by the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management of the Government of Andorra, with the collaboration of the Andorra Fire Brigade and Andorra Research + Innovation. This plan enables the operational response to be organized and coordinated in the event of earthquakes affecting the territory of Andorra. AR+I intervenes, among others, in scientific advice in emergencies, the dissemination of seismic information, the processing of seismic survey data and providing technological support in the assessment of possible damaged buildings. In May 2022, AR+I participated in the first national earthquake drill.

• Participating in the training of inspectors to diagnose buildings in a post-seismic emergency situation. In February 2023, 44 inspectors were trained and accredited in Andorra to be able to intervene in national emergency situations that require an evaluation of structures after major seismic movements or other extreme weather phenomena with significant effects on buildings.

• Participating in international scientific projects related to improving knowledge of seismic risk in the Principality (see table below "International projects").

• Participating in different research works also around the seismic risk in Andorra (see lower table "Research works").

International projects

Research works

Reports on the latest earthquakes felt in Andorra