Magnitude-4.6 Earthquake Rattles Melbourne and Surrounding Areas

According to seismologists, a magnitude-4.6 earthquake has been recorded in Victoria’s east, specifically in the High Country region.

The tremor occurred in Rawson around 1:30 am and had a depth of 3 kilometres. Geoscience Australia, the national earthquake alert centre, received reports from approximately 9,000 individuals who experienced light-to-moderate shaking.

Senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate from Geoscience Australia suggests that this recent tremor is likely part of a series of earthquakes linked to the September 2021 earthquake. The 2021 quake was widely felt across Melbourne, Victoria’s east, and even reached as far as New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia.

According to seismologist Jonathan Bathgate, the magnitude-4.6 earthquake that occurred early this morning in Rawson is part of an ongoing sequence of earthquakes that began with the magnitude-5.9 quake in September 2021. In total, at least 47 earthquakes ranging from magnitude two to the recent 4.6 event have been recorded.

Mr. Bathgate noted that this latest earthquake is the largest aftershock since the main shock in September 2021. However, he emphasised that the number of earthquakes being recorded in Victoria is not increasing or unusual.

Many people may not be aware that Australia experiences a significant amount of seismic activity, which is more frequent than commonly perceived.

ABC weather presenter and meteorologist Nate Byrne provided insights into Australia’s unique earthquake activity. He highlighted that earthquakes typically occur at the meeting points of tectonic plates, but Australia is situated in the middle of a plate.

Using an analogy, Byrne likened Australia’s situation to squeezing the sides of a pavlova dessert. Instead of experiencing significant crumbling on the sides, cracks tend to form in the middle, which explains the occurrence of earthquakes in the region.

Resident Bec Closter, who resides in the town of Erica near the Baw Baw National Park, shared her experience of feeling the recent quake. It marked the third time she and her husband had experienced an earthquake since moving to the area six years ago. The tremor was powerful enough to shake their entire home, including their bed, causing concern for their safety.

The accounts of residents like Ms. Closter highlight the impact and sense of vulnerability that earthquakes can create in affected areas.