An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale was felt across parts of southern France on Monday, centred on the town of Montélimar where it caused serious injuries to at least one person and damaged buildings, leading to the closure of a nuclear power plant and local schools.
AA moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 in magnitude struck a part of southern France on Monday seriously injuring one person, authorities said, adding that they are investigating reports of light damage to about a dozen buildings, reports The New York Times.
France's earthquake detection agency said the quake struck at noon local time (11am GMT) and had its epicenter near the town of Montélimar in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, which is between Lyon and Marseille.
The US Geological Survey said the quake was of magnitude 4.8. Different earthquake monitoring institutes often provide varying magnitude estimates.
Local authorities said one unnamed Montelimar resident was seriously injured, but provided no further detail. The regional governor's office said firefighters were visiting "around 15" sites in the surrounding area to monitor the situation.
