In the early hours of Aug. 7, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck Woods Point, three hours east of Melbourne.
Scientists believe this earthquake is an aftershock from a larger quake in 2021.
Victoria’s State Emergency Service (VICSES) recorded 1,408 reports from locals who felt the quake. However, there were no reports of damage to buildings or infrastructure.
Reports of the quake, which struck at 3:48 a.m., were felt at South Morang, Healesville, Wangaratta, Benalla, and Dargo.
One resident reported feeling the quake at Craigieburn.
Residents took to social media to share their experiences.
Sarah Maree, who was going through a McDonald’s drive-through at the time, heard staff screaming.
“I thought they were being held-up,” she said.
Sarah Brash also felt the quake and said her puppy started barking before it suddenly became windy.
Mich Landford recalled that the quake was loud. “I woke thinking somebody was trying to break in as the house rattled so loudly,” she said.
Others describe not believing it could be an earthquake as they did not think it was possible in their region.
Numerous people reported shaking beds and windows, as well as animals acting out at the time of the quake.
The government disaster service, Vic Emergency, advised people to remain cautious because the quake could have damaged some infrastructure. Residents in affected areas were warned not to use roadways or bridges if they appeared damaged.
People in affected areas were also urged to be vigilant for any fallen trees or powerlines.
The Woods Point earthquake was the largest in the area since a magnitude 4.7 quake in June 2023, but seismic activity started in the region in Sept. 2021 with a magnitude 5.9 quake.
Seismologist Dee Ninis took to X, stating that the recent earthquake was an aftershock from 2021.
“This is one of the largest aftershocks of the ongoing sequence since the 2021 magnitude 5.9,” she said.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed there was no tsunami threat to Australia.
Residents in areas like Cowra reported feeling like their homes were rolling over waves or that people were banging on their windows.
