Earthquakes, volcanoes, eruptions: behind its doors lie the secrets of Martinique’s geological history. The people of Martinique play a vital role in natural disaster risk management; in fact, the observatory has launched a campaign to collect eyewitness accounts of an earthquake that occurred in late May. This is a rare event—the Martinique Volcanological and Seismological Observatory is opening its doors—so be sure to take advantage of it!

How can I visit the observatory?

Throughout the month of June, the Martinique Volcanic and Seismological Observatory (OVSM) will be open to the public. Officials have announced the following dates and hours of operation:

• Friday, June 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 24, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

What’s on the agenda for this tour? «A tour of the observatory, a presentation on Mount Pelée’s volcanic activity, and a tour of the building,» the organizers announce. Visitors will thus have a front-row seat to learn about the challenges posed by Réunion’s seismic and volcanic activity.

Tours are free and open to children ages 10 and up. There are 25 spots available per time slot. Registration is required and must be completed using this form:

here.

Preventing Natural Hazards

 Although often little known to the general public, the Martinique Volcanic and Seismological Observatory plays a vital role in serving the public by issuing alerts in the event of an earthquake or an eruption of Mount Pelée.

The observatory also reported a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Martinique on May 30, 2026, at 5:27 p.m. The earthquake is believed to have been tectonic in origin, with an epicenter located 326 km southeast of the town of Sainte-Anne.

Did you feel it? The observatory’s teams are asking island residents who may have felt it to share their accounts. To submit your account, please go to here.