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.’