Earthquake rattles southeast Australia, no injuries reported

A rare earthquake rattled southeastern Australia early on Wednesday, shaking buildings, knocking down walls and sending panicked residents running into the streets of the country’s second-largest city.

The shallow quake hit east of Melbourne just after 9 am local time and was felt hundreds of kilometres away

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has rattled southeast Australia, damaging buildings in the city of Melbourne.

The earthquake happened about 09:15 local time (23:15 GMT) on Wednesday at Mansfield, not far from the Victorian state capital.

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 neighboring South Australia and New South Wales (NSW).

It was followed by two aftershocks of 4.0 and 3.1 magnitudes.

While this is one of Australia’s largest earthquakes in recent years, it does not appear to have caused significant damage.

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.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation shared a clip of its breakfast TV presenters reacting in the studio as the earthquake hit.

Several high-rise towers and a city hospital were also briefly evacuated, residents reported. Some city tram lines had been suspended due to damage.

South Australia Premier Stephen Marshall said his state had felt aftershocks.

Large earthquakes are uncommon in Australia because the continent lies centrally on a tectonic plate.