Jobaaj Stories
Melbourne Earthquake Shakes City
Early Tuesday morning, Melbourne residents were jolted awake by a magnitude 2.8 earthquake, striking around 12:30 am. The epicentre, located near Mount Dandenong in the Olinda area, was at a relatively shallow depth of 5km. Over 620 people reported feeling the tremor, with reports spanning from Jam Jerrup in the south to Craigieburn in the north.
A Double Whammy: Adelaide Also Hit
Adding to the seismic activity, a magnitude 2.7 earthquake struck near Adelaide less than two hours later. This quake, centred around Nairne at a depth of 9km, prompted nearly 200 felt reports to Geoscience Australia.
Australia's Tectonic Plate and Earthquake Activity
Both Melbourne and Adelaide's earthquake experiences are attributed to the movement of the Australian tectonic plate, which shifts approximately 7cm annually. Geoscience Australia explains that this slow but constant movement builds stress within the continent's interior, eventually releasing as earthquakes. While these recent quakes were relatively minor, Australia has a history of more significant seismic events. A magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit Adelaide in 1954, causing three serious injuries and damage to thousands of buildings. Australia's largest recorded earthquake, a magnitude 6.6, occurred near Tennant Creek in 1988.
Citizen Reports: A Range of Experiences
Reports from Melbourne residents varied in intensity. Some described a loud bang followed by shaking, while others only felt a slight rumble or vibration. The experiences highlight the variability in how even a relatively small earthquake can be perceived depending on factors like proximity to the epicenter and local geology.
Staying Informed and Safe
Geoscience Australia provides valuable resources and encourages people to report if they feel any earthquake activity. This data is crucial for emergency response planning and scientific understanding of seismic events in Australia. For the latest information, visit the Geoscience Australia website. While these recent events were minor, it's a good reminder to be prepared for potential earthquakes, especially if living in a seismically active area.
