16 June 2023, 18:38 CET

Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, France - A moderate earthquake measuring 5.8 magnitude struck the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region of France on 16 June at 18:38 CET. The earthquake had a depth of 12 km and its epicenter was approximately 26 km southwest of the city of Niort.

Following the initial earthquake, an aftershock measuring 5.0 magnitude was detected on 17 June at 04:27 CET.

Local authorities have reported that one person sustained minor injuries, and several buildings in the Deux-Sevres department suffered partial damage as a result of the seismic activity.

In the Charente-Maritime department, the fall of a high-voltage power line led to a power outage affecting around 1,100 households in the area.

A team of 146 firefighters from the South-West zone has been deployed to assess and address further damage to buildings in the affected regions.

Earthquakes above a magnitude of five are considered rare in France, with the previous significant earthquake recorded in the southeastern department of Ardèche in 2019.

The local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain cautious and follow any instructions or guidelines issued by local authorities. Further updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.

This news report will be updated as more details emerge.