Residents in Townsville experienced a notable earthquake at approximately 9:30 PM yesterday, with tremors felt as far north as Cairns and as far south as Mackay. Geoscience Australia reported that the quake, measuring 5.3 in magnitude, occurred 17 kilometres from Townsville at a depth of 10 kilometres. This seismic event prompted around 4,500 residents across Queensland to report feeling the ground shake.
Local reports described the sensation as akin to an ‘explosion,’ with some inhabitants expressing their astonishment at the sudden surge of force underfoot. One Townsville local, Barbara Hannay, vividly described the unusual experience of her home shuddering, likening it to a strange and powerful phenomenon. CCTV footage corroborated these accounts, showing homes trembling during the quake.
Fortunately, the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed that there is no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland, its islands, or associated territories. In a related seismic event, a minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 was recorded in Muswellbrook, NSW, around 10 PM, although only 189 people reported feeling the tremors from this smaller quake, which was at a depth of 1 kilometre.
The episode in Townsville serves as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity and the importance of community awareness and preparedness.