France's La Laigne Hit by Major Earthquake: Hundreds Displaced

France's La Laigne Hit by Major Earthquake: Hundreds Displaced

An earthquake with a magnitude between 5.2 and 5.8 struck the western French town of La Laigne, leading to the relocation of approximately 170 people. The tremors were felt across a wide area, from Rennes to Bordeaux, causing damage to homes, schools, and churches. Many buildings have been deemed uninhabitable.

France rarely experiences earthquakes above magnitude five, with the last significant event occurring in November 2019. Authorities are taking measures to assess the structural damage and provide rehousing assistance to affected residents.

How can communities and governments better prepare for and respond to natural disasters like earthquakes, especially in regions where they are less common?