An earthquake which was felt by
Melbournians across a 100km radius was one of three to hit Australia in one
day,
seismologists
from Geoscience Australia have said. The tremor struck at 8.55pm yesterday,
and measured 4.6 on the Richter scale, with an epicentre in Korumburra, home
to the
Coal Creek
heritage park.
Emergency services reported
receiving numerous calls, however a spokesperson stated that they are unable
to prevent geological events.
Korumburra resident James Carter
described
the horror as books fell from the shelves in his house.
While Geoscience Australia reported
that this was Melbourne’s most significant earthquake in 36 years, a ‘mystery
rumble’ shook the earth in the early hours of February 2, 2005, when tabloid
favourite mX employed numerous clichés to report that ‘the
earth moved in mysterious ways for thousands of Melbournians about 3am today
with reports of deep rumblings in suburbs from Melton to Mitcham and Seaford
to Cranbourne.’
In that instance, experts reported
no seismic activity, with possible explanations for the shaking ranging from
sonic booms from passing aircraft to lightening strikes. Radio 3AW caller ‘John’
suspected his house had come under attack by angry ghosts. ‘It’s
a solid brick building,’ John said. ‘It took a hell of a lot to
shake it.’
