General News
26 October, 2023
Earthquake strikes south west
AN earthquake was felt across the district during the early hours of Saturday morning.
AN earthquake was felt across the district during the early hours of Saturday morning.
A 5.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Colac at around 2am on Saturday morning, which was reported to have been felt by residents across the south west.
Among those to feel the earth shaking was Terang’s Heather Fraser at her Swanston Street home, who described the event as unforgettable.
“I had an experience I don’t think I will ever forget,” she said.
“I was awake when I heard a loud bang under the centre of my bed.
“I wondered what it was, and then the bed was shaking all over; lifting up the bottom sides and head, vibrating and tossing me around.”
Ms Fraser said she had to shift to the centre of the bed to prevent herself from potentially falling.
“When it stopped some time later, the doors on the wardrobe started to vibrate,” she said.
“When the doors stopped it was 2.11am.”
Over 8000 Victorians reported feeling the earthquake, with only minor damage sustained.
The earthquake was the biggest in Victoria since September 2021, and was reported to have been felt as far away as Melbourne and Warrnambool.
A VICSES spokesperson reminded residents to take care during earthquakes and aftershocks.
“In an earthquake or subsequent aftershocks, remember to 'drop, cover and hold-on',” the spokesperson said.
“Drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.”
Another earthquake was recorded on Monday afternoon, with a magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurring with an epicentre in the Apollo Bay area at 1.17pm on Monday afternoon.
More information on earthquake safety can be found at www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/earthquake.