Magnitude-3.8 Earthquake Strikes Melbourne, Largest in Over a Century
Seismic Tremor Shakes City, Causing No Damage or Injuries
A magnitude-3.8 earthquake struck the Melbourne suburb of Sunbury on Sunday night at a depth of 3 kilometres, making it the largest earthquake to hit the city in over a century, according to the Seismology Research Centre.
The earthquake, which occurred at 9:44 pm local time, was widely felt across Melbourne and surrounding areas. Residents reported feeling shaking and hearing a loud bang, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.
The Seismology Research Centre said that the earthquake was the largest to occur within the Melbourne metropolitan area since a magnitude-4.3 earthquake in 1969. It is also the largest recorded earthquake in Victoria since a magnitude-5.3 earthquake in 1986.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the town of Sunbury, about 30 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. The earthquake was likely caused by movement along a fault line that runs through the area.
Geoscience Australia said that the earthquake was "very shallow," which may have amplified the shaking felt at the surface. However, the earthquake was not large enough to cause any damage or injuries.
The Seismology Research Centre is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.
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