"Initial inspections at Cruas-Meysse NPP have not highlighted any apparent damage. However, vibration was recorded requiring additional preventive testing. Erring on the side of caution, EDF has decided to suspend operation of Cruas-Meysse units 2, 3 and 4 on a temporary basis in order to perform these tests", the statement read.
The EDF noted that nuclear power plants in Bugey, Saint-Alban and Tricastin continued to operate.
The company also noted that the shutdown of the reactors began at 6.00 p.m. (17:00 GMT). The first reactor was halted for scheduled maintenance before the earthquake.
The earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 occurred near the city of Montelimar in the southeast of the country at 11.52 a.m. local time (10:52 GMT) on Monday. According to French media, tremors lasted about ten seconds and were felt in several other cities, including in Lyon, Montpellier and Avignon.