By Gabriella Payne
Victorians certainly had a rocky start to the day on Wednesday morning, after a major 5.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded.
According to Geoscience Australia, the epicentre of the earthquake occurred in the Alpine National Park in the Mansfield region (North East Victoria) at about 9.15am on Wednesday 22 September.
The earthquake was 10 kilometres deep and lasted about 20 seconds, with tremors being felt all throughout Victoria – and even shaking residents as far north as Canberra and Sydney.
The quake was one of the strongest recorded in Victoria in decades – with Geoscience Australia saying it’s one of the largest south east Australia has felt since European settlement.
A magnitude 4 earthquake was reportedly felt in the same region just 15 minutes or so after the first quake, and experts are warning that aftershocks could be felt in the coming days or even months.
Residents from across Melbourne’s south east were quick to jump online and check in with one another, sharing their own experiences of the scary ground-shaking moment.
“That earthquake was felt from Gippy to Geelong – it was a big one,“ local resident Emma Ramsey said.
“I was lying in bed [when it happened] and my daughter freaked out screaming – I thought it was a truck at first!“
Cory Sharp, another resident, said his “house shook“ and he was alarmed as he “didn’t think it was going to stop“.
Some building damage has been reported across Melbourne.
Emergency Victoria warned people to expect aftershocks and to keep away from damaged buildings and hazards.
It advised to check homes for cracks or damage to walls and chimneys.
During aftershocks, people are advised to stay indoors and shelter under a sturdy table or furniture and to hold on.
Drivers are told to pull over to a location that’s clear of buildings, trees, overpasses and powerlines, and to keep their seatbelts on until the tremors stop.
“Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution and avoid bridges or ramps that may have been damaged,” an Emergency Victoria spokesperson stated.
For more information about the quake, visit earthquakes.ga.gov.au/event/ga2021sqogij
