Victoria Experiences Third Earthquake in a Month
Australia has experienced more than one earthquake per week in 2024, with Victoria being hit by a 3.4 magnitude quake on Aug. 29.
Victoria has now endured a third earthquake in less than a month, continuing a pattern of frequent seismic activity throughout Australia.
The latest quake registered at 3.4 magnitude in Hamilton around 5 a.m. on Aug. 29.
According to the Victoria State Emergency Service, “A magnitude 3.4 earthquake at a 3 kilometres depth has been recorded this morning, with an epicentre at Hamilton.”
While the quake didn’t cause significant damage and only a few reports were filed, it was slightly stronger than the 3.0 magnitude quake that struck the southern Gippsland region on Aug. 26.
Prior to this, there was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in Victoria’s high country on Aug. 7.
However, Victoria isn’t the only state in turmoil. Muswellbrook near Newcastle in New South Wales experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on Aug. 24, felt by over 600 individuals.
A report from Geoscience Australia confirmed the earthquake occurred 10 kilometers underground.
Residents reported feeling their homes moving, and products in a local Mitre 10 store were thrown from shelves.
Just a day earlier, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake was felt in Denman, three hours north of Sydney.
Thousands of people reported feeling the tremors from the Denman event.
During August, Western and South Australia also experienced earthquakes ranging from magnitude 2.0 to 4.8.
The Seismology Research Centre in Australia has recorded 42 earthquakes since the beginning of the year.
The recent surge in activity has raised questions about whether Australia is becoming more susceptible to seismic events.
David Belford, a researcher at Earthquakes Downunder, shared on social media that earthquake numbers across Australia are “quite normal,” but he did mention an increased likelihood of higher magnitude earthquakes predicted for the United States and Japan in the coming years.
He stated, “As for Australia, both sides experiencing similar activity is something new, which we’re monitoring closely.”
“There is a high probability that both regions may see more magnitude four (or greater) earthquakes.
“It’s best to continue observing seismic activity worldwide to better understand what potential future events might occur.”