Earthquake strikes western regions of France

France: A powerful earthquake, the strongest in France since 2019, shook several parts of western France on Friday evening.

The earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, caused notable damage to buildings and was described as "very strong" by the seismology bureau BCSF.

The national network for seismic surveillance, RENASS, recorded the earthquake at 5.3, while the French Central Seismological Bureau (BCSF) reported it at 5.8.

In the Deux-Sevres department, one person sustained minor injuries and received on-site treatment.

The prefecture reported material damages, including falling stones and wall cracks, particularly in the department's southwest.

In the neighboring Charente-Maritime department, buildings also suffered cracks, and a power line was knocked down, leaving 1,100 homes without electricity.

The earthquake's impact extended to cities like Rennes in the north and Bordeaux in the southwest.

Authorities have not reported any significant damage to people or structures thus far.