Precautionary Evacuation Underway in Monaco and Beausoleil
Authorities in Monaco and the neighboring French commune of Beausoleil initiated a preventive evacuation of several homes on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, due to fears of a potential landslide. The affected area is situated near the former Charles-III College.
The alert was first issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, when residents received notices from the Monegasque government and the City of Beausoleil, advising them to prepare for a precautionary evacuation. By Christmas Eve afternoon, police, firefighters, and the Prince's Carabiniers had cordoned off the road leading to the former college, near the Odéon Tower, and began organizing the orderly relocation of residents. Avenue de l'Annonciade remains closed to traffic until further notice.
Affected Residents and Official Response
A small number of residents from the Le Point du Jour and Virginia Plaza buildings, along with two properties on Boulevard Guynemer, have been relocated. For those without alternative arrangements, hotel accommodations are being provided. The decision for preventive evacuation was prompted by technical data indicating that a 'critical threshold' for a potential landslide could be reached in the coming days.
A press briefing was held on December 24 at Monaco's Ministry of State. Officials present included:
- Céline Caron-Dagioni, Government Advisor-Minister for Equipment
- Laura Reynaud, Sub-prefect of Nice Montagne
- Christophe Robino, Social Affairs and Health Minister
- Lieutenant-Colonel Tony Varo, Commander of the Carabiniers and Monaco firefighters
Impact on Education and Ongoing Measures
The landslide risk has also impacted the educational sector. The government had previously announced on December 20 that students from Albert-Ier High School, who are currently attending classes at the former Charles-III College, would commence their new term remotely in January due to safety concerns related to the site.
To mitigate the risk, reinforcement works involving the installation of active tie rods have already begun on the slope, with initial results anticipated by December 26. Furthermore, studies are underway to identify a permanent alternative site for the high school students, as remote learning is considered a temporary solution. Authorities have emphasized that no risks will be taken regarding the safety of students, teachers, staff, or local residents.
6 Comments
BuggaBoom
Better safe than sorry. The coordinated effort is impressive.
KittyKat
It's reassuring that technical data is being used to make these tough decisions, indicating a science-based approach. However, relying on remote learning for students long-term isn't ideal, and a permanent solution is urgently needed.
Eugene Alta
Why wasn't this risk addressed years ago? Typical last-minute scramble.
Kyle Broflovski
Disrupting education for what? This is going to cost a fortune.
Eric Cartman
The coordinated response is commendable, providing accommodations for those displaced shows foresight. Yet, the timing around Christmas makes it particularly harsh for families, and questions remain about the root causes of the landslide risk.
Kyle Broflovski
Glad they're prioritizing lives over property. Good job, Monaco!