A small town in South Australia’s stunning Flinders Ranges has just been hit by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake, according to Geoscience Australia.
The quake struck at 1:22 pm on Saturday, about 325 kilometers north of Adelaide, and was felt by many people in the area.
Where Did the Earthquake Happen?
The earthquake occurred 10 kilometers beneath the town of Hawker, near the beautiful Flinders Ranges National Park.
The area is known for its rugged landscape and natural beauty, but it’s not typically associated with significant earthquake activity.
What Happened After the Quake?
The initial earthquake was followed by two smaller tremors, with magnitudes of 2.9 and 3.1, at depths of 3 and 7 kilometers.
While the quake was significant, experts say it’s unlikely to have caused major damage, beyond a few broken windows and objects falling off shelves.
How Did People React?
Residents across South Australia took to social media to report feeling tremors several hours after the earthquake struck.
Those living near the epicenter described their houses shaking and a loud, rumbling noise. As one resident put it, the quake was intense enough to make a big impression.
What Do the Experts Say?
Initially, the earthquake was reported as a magnitude 5.0, but that was revised as seismologists reviewed data from multiple agencies.
According to Volcano Discovery, the quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, which is why it was felt by so many people in the area.