An earthquake has rattled New South Wales’ Hunter Region, shaking homes and startling residents across the state early on Saturday morning. The magnitude-4.5 event is the third in two weeks to hit the area, which has experienced a series of tremors recently.
Earthquake Strikes Near Muswellbrook
The Seismology Research Centre recorded the 4.5-magnitude earthquake near Muswellbrook at 5:58 am on Saturday, September 7. Geoscience Australia reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of five kilometres, contributing to its wide impact. Residents across the state, from Sydney to Wollongong and Tamworth, felt the tremors.
The earthquake today in Sydney, although not centred in the city, caused a considerable number of felt reports. More than 900 people across the region reported feeling the shake, including residents of Muswellbrook, Newcastle, and Sydney. The quake also caused power outages for approximately 2,500 customers in the area, though power was restored to all homes before midday.
Residents Rattled Across the State
Residents in Sydney, over 250 kilometres from the epicentre, reported being woken by the tremor. Some described the sensation as brief but forceful, with beds and furniture shaking for a few seconds. Social media was filled with accounts of the incident, with one resident from western Sydney stating, “My bed shook for a few seconds.”
In Muswellbrook, those closest to the quake described a more intense experience. A local shared, “The whole house shook from side to side, and the cups rattled in the cupboards.” Another local mentioned, “This one was more violent than the last, with furniture and doors moving.”
The earthquake in Muswellbrook caused minor disruptions, including power outages and brief halts to mining operations at BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal mine. Inspections were carried out to assess any potential damage, but no major incidents were reported. A worker sustained minor injuries but was treated on-site, and operations resumed after safety checks.
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A Swarm of Earthquakes in the Hunter Region
This earthquake is the third significant tremor to hit the Hunter region in recent weeks. On August 23, a magnitude-4.7 quake shook the area, causing widespread damage to homes and businesses, especially in Denman. The following day, another 4.5-magnitude event was recorded near Muswellbrook. Residents have since endured numerous aftershocks.
Dr Trevor Allen, a senior seismologist from Geoscience Australia, explained that the region is experiencing what is known as a “swarm” of earthquakes. “We’re seeing a series of moderate-sized earthquakes, each with their own aftershock sequence. This makes it difficult to predict when the activity will subside,” said Dr Allen.
Today’s latest earthquake in Sydney and surrounding areas adds to the growing list of seismic events in the Upper Hunter. Although most aftershocks have been minor, they are expected to continue for several months. “We predict reasonably sized aftershocks of magnitude 3 or more in the coming weeks,” said seismologist Michael Turnbull.
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Earthquake Felt Far and Wide
Geoscience Australia received over 850 reports from people feeling the earthquake. The tremor was felt strongly in the Muswellbrook region and as far away as Newcastle, Wollongong, and Tamworth. Some residents in these areas reported being woken by the shaking or hearing rumbling noises.
Paula, a resident from Berkley Vale on the NSW Central Coast, more than 150 kilometres from Muswellbrook, described the moment the quake hit. “The whole house shook from side to side. It wasn’t long, but it was enough to rattle the cupboards,” she said.
Although the earthquake today in Sydney caused alarm, no significant injuries or infrastructure damage were reported. Emergency services were on standby, and the NSW Police confirmed that they had received no reports of significant incidents.
No Tsunami Threat for Australia
Despite the quake’s intensity, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that there was no tsunami threat to Australia. This assurance provided relief to coastal residents, who are often wary of seismic activity near the shore.
Today, the Muswellbrook earthquake was closely monitored by international agencies, including the US Geological Survey, which recorded the event at 4.5 magnitude. Its epicentre was pinpointed to Denman, about 26 kilometres southwest of Muswellbrook, a region prone to seismic activity due to its geological composition.
Residents Urged to Report Damage
Although damage reports are minimal, residents have been urged to alert authorities if they notice any structural issues. About 100 people have already reported minor damage, such as cracks in plaster and masonry. Geoscience Australia has classified these reports as unverified for now but will continue to assess the situation in the coming days.
Recent earthquakes in the Hunter Region have sparked conversations about preparedness for such events. While earthquakes in Australia are generally mild compared to other parts of the world, the recent activity around Muswellbrook and Newcastle serves as a reminder that tremors can still cause disruptions.
As residents recover from the latest tremor, authorities continue to monitor the area for aftershocks. The swarm of earthquakes is expected to continue, although seismologists hope that the magnitude and frequency of these events will decrease in the coming months.
For now, the people of Muswellbrook and Sydney are on alert, watching for further tremors and bracing for what might come next.
