A rare and strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 struck western parts of France, causing damage to buildings. The earthquake, described as “very strong” by the Seismological Bureau BCSF, was one of the most powerful tremors ever recorded on the mainland. The last earthquakes of similar strength in France occurred in the early 2000s.
The tremors were felt over a wide area as far north as Rennes and southwest to Bordeaux. In the Deux-Sevres department, one person suffered minor injuries and was treated immediately. Rockfalls and cracks in walls were reported in the area, while the neighboring Charente-Maritime department experienced cracks in buildings and downed power lines, leaving 1,100 homes without power.
Residents of various cities, including Tours and Paris, described feeling the tremors. A law student in Tours shared her experience of an apartment shaking, fearing that the floor might collapse.
Although earthquakes above magnitude five are rare in France, the country saw a similar event in 2019 in the southeastern department of the Drôme. The most recent earthquake was centered near Surreys and Maus-sur-le-Mignon, located between La Rochelle. and Niort.
Reports do not indicate any casualties or major damage at this time. However, thousands of people have contacted the fire brigade for help, and authorities have urged the public to remain calm and co-operate, stressing the importance of only contacting emergency services if absolutely necessary.
Social media accounts revealed that residents of Rennes, Limoges, Bordeaux, Le Mans, Angers, Poitiers and Brittany felt the quake. Some even reported feeling the quake as far away as London.
The quake is the most powerful earthquake recorded in France since 2019, when a 5.5-magnitude quake hit the area near Montillimar, causing significant damage.
As authorities assess the situation and citizens recover from the earthquake, efforts are underway to secure affected areas and contain potential hazards.
