Skip to main content

5.9 earthquake causes minor damage in Australia, no injuries

Share
MELBOURNE, Australia -

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake caused slight damage in suburban Melbourne on Wednesday in an unusually powerful temblor for Australia.

The quake hit about 130 kilometres (80 miles) northeast of Australia's second-most populous city near the town of Mansfield at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles), Geoscience Australia said.

Minor structural damage to chimneys, facades and older buildings was reported around the Melbourne metropolitan area. A hospital near the epicenter lost power, and fallen bricks littered some city streets.

Seismology Research Centre Chief Scientist Adam Pascale said it was the largest onshore quake in Victoria's recorded history.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there were no reports of serious injury.

The earthquake was the largest to rattle Australia since a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck 210 kilometres (130 miles) off the northwest coastal town of Broome in 2019.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns

As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.

Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'

Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.

Local Spotlight