Residents across Melbourne and regional Victoria were jolted awake early Saturday after the state’s strongest earthquake in almost three years sent shaking across a large part of the state.
Geoscience Australia recorded the magnitude 4.8 earthquake shortly after 2am, with the epicentre about six kilometres north-east of Korumburra in South Gippsland.
The earthquake was recorded at a depth of about 10 kilometres and was felt across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas.
More than 16,000 felt reports were lodged with Geoscience Australia following the initial tremor, highlighting the wide reach of the event.
Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Hits Melbourne Victoria
Epicentre located at Leongatha, 130km south-east of Melbourne just after 2am
Aftershocks could continue for weeks
Seismology Research Centre chief scientist Adam Pascale said dozens of aftershocks had already been recorded following the earthquake.
The largest aftershock reached magnitude 3.1 at about 2.56am.
“I can see [aftershocks] popping off every couple of minutes and they’ll probably go on for weeks,” Pascale said.
“There’s potential for another of similar, or potentially larger, magnitude in the first few days or weeks afterwards.” he said/
Aftershocks are common following earthquakes as stresses in the surrounding rock adjust after the initial rupture.
No major damage reported
Victoria State Emergency Service confirmed crews had been alerted following the earthquake, although there were no immediate reports of significant building damage or requests for assistance.
The tremor was felt across a broad section of Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne and regional centres.
The event is the largest earthquake recorded in Victoria since a magnitude 5.0 tremor near the Great Ocean Road in October 2023.
Victoria remains seismically active
Saturday’s earthquake adds to a series of significant seismic events recorded across Victoria in recent years.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Mansfield in September 2021 and was felt across south-eastern Australia, causing damage to some buildings in Melbourne.
Victoria also experienced a magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Rawson in June 2023, while smaller tremors have continued to be recorded across the state.
Scientists have previously said this type of seismic activity is consistent with the stresses that build within the Australian tectonic plate.
Although Australia is located away from major plate boundaries, earthquakes can still occur when accumulated stress is released along faults beneath the continent.
SES urges residents to remain prepared
Victoria SES said the earthquake was a reminder for residents to know what to do when shaking occurs.
People indoors are advised to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture where possible, protect their head and neck and hold on until the shaking stops.
Residents should also remain alert for aftershocks and check buildings for damage where it is safe to do so.
