A 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck Leongatha in Eastern Victoria overnight, rattling residents across multiple states, including Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. The tremor, which occurred at 12:50 am local time on Friday, was felt by more than 4,000 people, with the majority of reports coming from metropolitan Melbourne.
According to Geoscience Australia, the earthquake originated approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Melbourne in the South Gippsland region at a shallow depth of 8 kilometers. Seismology Research Centre chief scientist Adam Pascale warned of potential additional tremors in the area in the coming days and weeks, urging residents to be prepared for strong shaking.
While another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 was recorded in Foster, located 10 kilometers away, on Tuesday, Pascale suggested that the two tremors likely occurred on different fault lines. He noted that Gippsland and the Great Dividing Range are known areas for earthquake activity.
Residents described the earthquake as akin to the sound of a train passing through a house, with some reporting violent shaking and objects falling. Gordon Bahn, a Leongatha resident, recounted being awakened by the earthquake’s noise, while Ted Leamon, living nearby, described feeling his bed shake violently and hearing thunder-like sounds.
Pascale explained that those closer to the epicenter often heard the sound of buildings shaking, while those further away heard the earthquake itself, including booming sounds from the energy hitting the surface.
Authorities advise residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks as the region remains active following the seismic activity.
