A MAGNITUDE 5.8 earthquake left most of Victorian shaken up Wednesday morning as it hit the state at about 9.15am.
According to Geoscience Australia, the first earthquake was detected in Mansfield at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Approximately 15 minutes later, a magnitude 4.0 aftershock was recorded, its epicentre in Rawson, three hours south of Mansfield.
The effects of the aftershock were far less felt, with fewer than 300 felt reports filed to Geoscience Australia, compared to the more than 26,000 felt reports of the initial quake.
A warning was issued by VicEmergency this morning at 10.46am for all Victorians to expect aftershocks, and to avoid damaged buildings and other hazards and to also avoid driving if possible unless for an emergency.
If an aftershock occurs, stay safe by covering yourself under a sturdy table or piece of furniture and hold on. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped.
If outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and powerlines then drop, cover if possible, and find something sturdy to hold onto.
If driving, pull over to a location clear of trees, buildings, and powerlines if possible and stay seated with your seatbelt on.
The next update is expected to be announced today at 4.50pm, or as the situation changes.
While damage to buildings have been recorded, no serious injuries or fatalities have been sustained.
The first earthquake was felt up to 190 kilometres away in Melbourne’s CBD, where images have been posted to social media of building damage on Chapel Street as well as on the roads.
There are also reports that Sydney, regional New South Wales, the ACT, Adelaide, and Launceston were all left feeling this morning’s quake.
There is no tsunami threat to Victoria after the earthquake according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
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For earthquake-related emergency assistance call the SES on 132 600, or for life-threatening emergenciges call 000.
