This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-58646917

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Melbourne earthquake: Tremor rattles southeast Australia Melbourne earthquake: Tremor rattles southeast Australia
(about 1 hour later)
Melbourne's popular Chapel St shopping precinct was among areas damagedMelbourne's popular Chapel St shopping precinct was among areas damaged
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has rattled Australia's southeast including the city of Melbourne. A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has rattled southeast Australia, damaging buildings in the city of Melbourne.
The earthquake happened about 09:15 local time on Wednesday at Mansfield, not far from the Victorian state capital. The earthquake happened about 09:15 local time (00:15 GMT) on Wednesday at Mansfield, not far from the Victorian state capital.
Footage on social media showed damage to some buildings, but no injuries were immediately reported. 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 New South Wales (NSW).The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring South Australia and New South Wales (NSW).
It was followed by two aftershocks of 4.0 and 3.1 magnitude.
While this is one of Australia's largest earthquakes in recent years, it does not appear to have caused significant damage.
Speaking from the US, Mr Morrison noted earthquakes were uncommon in Australia and "it can be very, very disturbing event".
Melbourne is home to about five million people
Victoria's State Emergency Service warned residents to be alert for possible aftershocks.Victoria's State Emergency Service warned residents 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," the authority said."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," the authority said.
On social media, people posted pictures of damaged buildings and rubble in Melbourne. Quake hit during heart operation
Several high-rise towers and a city hospital were also evacuated, local media reported. Some city tram lines had been suspended due to damage. Surgeon Sameer Thakur said he had been performing a heart bypass operation in Geelong, near Melbourne, when the quake hit.
Melbourne is home to about five million people "We're sort of in the crux of the operation and we just felt the whole operating table move," he told BBC Newsday.
South Australia Premier Stephen Marshall said his state had felt aftershocks. One federal MP, Michael McCormack, said the "ground [was] shaking violently" in Wagga Wagga, NSW. "Looking around the room, all the IV poles were moving and some of the clamps that we have, they were all shaking."
He said "fortunately we were at a stage where we could come to a halt" until the shaking stopped, allowing them to complete the surgery.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation shared a clip of its breakfast TV presenters reacting in the studio as the earthquake hit.The Australian Broadcasting Corporation shared a clip of its breakfast TV presenters reacting in the studio as the earthquake hit.
"Is it an earthquake or a structural thing?" presenter Michael Rowland can be heard asking producers. "Let's go… that was a big one.""Is it an earthquake or a structural thing?" presenter Michael Rowland can be heard asking producers. "Let's go… that was a big one."
A magnitude six #Earthquake has rattled Melbourne and regional Victoria.This is the moment when News Breakfast presenters @mjrowland68 and @Tonaaayy_ were rocked by it. pic.twitter.com/Z4gz0sWJveA magnitude six #Earthquake has rattled Melbourne and regional Victoria.This is the moment when News Breakfast presenters @mjrowland68 and @Tonaaayy_ were rocked by it. pic.twitter.com/Z4gz0sWJve
Large earthquakes are considered an uncommon occurrence in Australia, because the continent lies centrally on a tectonic plate. Several high-rise towers and a city hospital were also briefly evacuated, residents reported. Some city tram lines had been suspended due to damage.
This quake - one of Australia's largest in recent years - struck at a depth of 10km (6 miles), according to government tracker Geosciences Australia. South Australia Premier Stephen Marshall said his state had felt aftershocks.
One federal MP, Michael McCormack, said the "ground [was] shaking violently" in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
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 5.8.
The geoscience agency says Australia experiences a potentially damaging earthquake - defined as above 6.0 magnitude - about every 10 years.
Melbourne, the country's second largest city, is home to about five million people.Melbourne, the country's second largest city, is home to about five million people.
The city is currently in lockdown due to a recent wave of coronavirus cases.The city is currently in lockdown due to a recent wave of coronavirus cases.