Severe storms swept across several regions of France, leaving 53,000 households without electricity, damaging homes and vehicles, and forcing dozens of residents to evacuate.

Electricity distribution operator Enedis said around 53,000 households were left without power, with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions among the worst affected.

Powerful thunderstorms that moved across France overnight caused widespread disruption, with strong winds, heavy rain and hail damaging property in several regions.

The city of Aubenas suffered some of the heaviest damage, where hundreds of vehicles were hit by hail and several homes sustained damage to roofs and windows.

As emergency crews assessed the destruction, about 100 residents were evacuated from their homes and taken to temporary shelters as a precaution.

Authorities said at least five people were injured during the storms, while utility workers continued efforts to restore electricity and clear damaged areas. The severe weather struck after a period of intense summer heat, bringing a sudden change in conditions and disrupting daily life across parts of the country.(ILKHA)