Ski Resorts in Australia Shaken by Earthquake

22nd September 2021

Last modified on September 23rd, 2021

The earthquake happened about 09:15 local time (23:15 GMT) on Wednesday at near the state capital of Melbourne.

It was the largest earthquake in recent years and though there is some structural damage to buildings, there are no reports of serious injury.

Some skiers were out on the slopes at the time.

Check out this web camera at Mt Buller as the quake struck:

And here was the scene at Falls Creek:

Victoria’s State Emergency Service has warned people to be alert for possible aftershocks.

“If you are located in Victoria, you are in danger. Expect aftershocks, stay away from damaged buildings and other hazards. Avoid driving, except for emergencies,” said the State Emergency Service.

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said “we have had no reports of serious injuries and that is very good news”.

The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring South Australia and further  north New South Wales that is hoe to the ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo.

Ski resorts in Victoria have re-opened after recent lockdowns, but there are some travel restrictions in place, Victoria ski areas in Australia re-open.

Mt Buller, Australia. Image © PlanetSKI

Large earthquakes are uncommon in Australia because the continent lies centrally on a tectonic plate.

This quake struck at a shallow depth of 10km (6.5 miles), according to Geosciences Australia.

It was initially measured at 6.0 magnitude before being revised to 5.9.

The geoscience agency says Australia experiences a potentially damaging earthquake – defined as above 6.0 magnitude – about every 10 years.

M5.9 – Australia 🌎 “It is the strongest earthquake recorded in Victoria since a magnitude 5.7 event was recorded at Mt Hotham in May 1966, and the first recorded since a magnitude 5.4 earthquake in the Gippsland town of Moe in 2012.” Thx! @blondbanshee https://t.co/TWWtmUwB3V pic.twitter.com/ZJPRvIEsi8

— Justice (@Loveon999) September 22, 2021