Melbourne earthquake: Magnitude 4.6 quake hits Victoria

Victorians woke up to a jolt this morning as a magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck parts of the state. The early morning tremor startled thousands of residents, marking an unexpected start to their day.

The quake was felt across a wide swath of Victoria, with reports of shaking coming in from both regional areas and metropolitan Melbourne. Residents described the sensation as a sudden jolt followed by several seconds of shaking, causing alarm but no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.

“The earthquake was quite a shock,” said one Melbourne resident. “We’re just not used to feeling the ground shake like that here.”

The earthquake was confirmed by Geoscience Australia, which monitors seismic activity in the country. The agency reported that the tremor originated in Victoria’s High Country, a region known for its mountain ranges and national parks.

“An earthquake of this size is capable of causing damage, but we’ve received no reports of serious damage so far,” said a spokesperson for Geoscience Australia. “We’re urging people to report any damage to their local council.”

The Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) also responded swiftly to the event, advising residents to stay calm and follow safety procedures. “In the event of aftershocks, drop, cover and hold on,” the SES recommended in a statement.

While earthquakes are not uncommon in Australia, they are relatively rare in Victoria, making today’s event all the more surprising for residents. The last significant earthquake to hit the region occurred in 2012, measuring a magnitude of 5.4 and a 3.8 magnititude in May 2023 and resultant aftershocks.

As the day progresses, authorities will continue to monitor the situation and assess any potential damage. Today’s earthquake serves as a reminder of Australia’s position within the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire, and the need for preparedness even in areas where earthquakes are less common.