The earthquake started at 9:15am.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred in regional Victoria earlier this morning. It was felt throughout Melbourne, the ACT and parts of New South Wales. According to Geoscience Australia, the epicentre was north of Rawson, about 180 km east of Melbourne. The earthquake was ten kilometres deep. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there is no tsunami threat. The last memorable earthquake in Melbourne was in 2012.
— Seismology Research Centre (@AusQuake) September 21, 2021
Melbourne earthquake
There are reports of building damage around Melbourne due to the earthquake. Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) say that phone lines may be busy as a result.
A magnitude 6.0 #Earthquake has occurred with an epicentre near Mansfield in Victoria. Widespread felt reports. If you have building damage or require SES assistance, phone 132500 and please be patient as lines may be busy. pic.twitter.com/8RUqnk4Iwb
— VICSES News (@vicsesnews) September 21, 2021
Witnesses have reported damage to buildings in inner Melbourne, such as on Chapel Street. Emergency Victoria has released building damage alerts for suburbs like Richmond, Prahran, Armadale and Albert Park. Apartment buildings are currently being evacuated. There are also reports of significant damage in parts of regional Victoria.
I hope everyone in #Melbourne is OK!! My friend just sent this to me- it’s from Chapel Street 😱 #earthquake pic.twitter.com/aTi7XPzy5S
— Hannah Sinclair (@hansinclair9) September 21, 2021
Earthquake in Melbourne ! People have evacuated all the Docklands towers. Building shook like crazy #melbourne#earthquake pic.twitter.com/TjbQM6SxFt
— Rick Klink (@raklink99) September 21, 2021
A 4.0 aftershock was detected north of Rawson shortly after at 9:33am. More aftershocks are expected in the future.
Emergency Victoria says that Victorians should stay away from damaged buildings, other hazards and avoid driving unless it’s an emergency, due to the potential for aftershocks.
If aftershocks occur, you can stay safe in the following ways.
When inside:
- Drop, cover under a sturdy table or piece of furniture and hold on.
- Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.
- Drop, cover and hold on.
- When the shaking stops, try to get out at the nearest floor if you can safely do so.
- Pull over to a clear location away from buildings, trees, overpasses, and powerlines.
- Stop and stay there with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
- Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that may have been damaged.
- Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and powerlines, then drop, cover and hold on.
- Drop, cover and hold on, then move to higher ground immediately in case a tsunami follows.
- Be alert for falling debris or landslides.
If you need assistance from the SES, call 132 500. Monitor the Emergency Victoria website for more information about damage in your area.