Melbourne earthquake: Late-night tremor rattles Victoria

An earthquake in the early hours of Saturday has rattled Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Geoscience Australia reported a magnitude 4.8 quake was recorded just after 2am with an epicentre near the South Gippsland town of Leongatha, about 135 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.

More than 10,000 “felt reports” had already been lodged with GeoScience Australia by 2.30am.

The federal government agency reported the tremor had a depth of 10 metres.

The Victoria State Emergency Service also confirmed the tremor and alerted crews.

A community information notice was published on VicEmergency and reported the earthquake occurred at 2.01am.

“There is no immediate threat to the community and no action is required,” it said.

Seismic activity has spiked in Victoria since a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in September 2021 damaged buildings in Melbourne and was felt across south-eastern Australia.

Aftershocks from that earthquake included a 3.8 magnitude quake near Sunbury in May 2023 that was the largest recorded within metropolitan Melbourne for 120 years.

In June 2023, more than 10,000 people reported feeling a magnitude 4.6 quake with an epicentre near Mount Baw Baw.

More recently, in August last year, hundreds of people were shaken awake by a magnitude 3.2 earthquake on the Mornington Peninsula.

Experts have previously told The Age these tremors were part of normal seismic activity in the aftermath of the September 2021 earthquake.

“Tonight’s earthquake is a timely reminder to know what to do when an earthquake occurs,” the SES said.

“Drop to the ground, cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and protect your head and neck [and] hold on until the shaking stops.”

Anyone in need of assistance is advised to call the SES on 132 500.

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