NSW’s Hunter Region hit by 4.5 magnitude earthquake
People across NSW woke up to shaking beds this morning after a “large” earthquake hit the state, leaving thousands without power.
Environment
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Another earthquake has rocked NSW’s Hunter Region, with people living across the state reporting being woken by rocking beds.
The Seismology Research Centre confirmed the quake hit just before 6am on Saturday morning, the latest in a string of shocks near the town of Muswellbrook in recent weeks.
“Another large earthquake has occurred near Muswellbrook NSW,” it reported.
“This magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred at 5:58am local time.”
The earthquake has also been reported by the US Geological Survey as being a 4.5 magnitude event.
One local resident wrote on the Earthquakes Downunder page on Facebook of feeling the earth move beneath his feet.
“Standing In the car park and the ground was shaking. Scared the crap out of me.”
People responded to say they felt it in Taree, Nelson Bay, Coralville and The Central Coast.
“So I didn’t dream it! 5.58am I thought my husband was shaking the bed to wake me up for the kids or something,” one wrote.
“Woke up, laid there and felt it.”
Ausgrid recorded more than 2500 reports on unplanned power outages around Muswellbrook, spanning a large area.
A spokesperson said power had since been restored to 1000 homes, and warned people not to approach fallen power lines.
“Obviously for a large section of the area, the power is out and Ausgrid are working to get power back on safely,” the local Federal MP Dan Repacholi wrote on Facebook.
Mr Repacholi reported the earthquake was at a depth of 5km, and located 15km southwest of Muswellbrook.
The latest earthquake follows a magnitude 4.8 event in the Hunter on August 23 that was felt hundreds of kilometres away. Another 4.5 magnitude quake hit a day later.
There were multiple aftershocks reported, with the Seismology Research Centre noting 17 earthquakes near Muswellbrook in the week afterwards and more have been felt this week.
A Muswellbrook local said Saturday’s earthquake was “more violent” than the August 23 event.
“Only lasted about 5 seconds, but more violent than the one from 2 weeks ago. The furniture and floor was actually moving side to side,” he wrote.
“Wardrobe doors opened, and items on bedside table almost fell.”
NSW Police said local officers “have not been made aware of injury or damage to infrastructure”.
“Residents are advised to alert their local relevant authorities of any injury or damage.”
Users on social media have also reported being woken by the earthquake in Sydney.
“OK who’s shaking things up this morning 6am,” one western Sydney local wrote on the Cranebrook Community page.
“Didn’t feel anything but heard rumbling sound in South Penrith,” another replied.
On X, formerly Twitter, several people reported feeling the quake in the Harbour City: “Earthquake in Sydney? I’m in Randwick.”
Originally published as NSW’s Hunter Region hit by 4.5 magnitude earthquake
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