Approximately 13,000 properties were hit by power outages across Queensland following a 5.6-magnitude earthquake near Kilkivan—the largest onshore earthquake to hit the state in 50 years.
Geoscience Australia reported the quake in a remote area north-west of the Sunshine Coast at 9.49am on Saturday, August 17.
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Three hospitals across the state lost power after sensors automatically shut down parts of the electricity network.
“The protection equipment is designed to firstly ensure the safety of the community as well as protect the network and assets from any further damage,” Energy Queensland‘s Anthony Hamill told the ABC.
There were no reports of major damage, however, some Queenslanders have reported cracks in their ceilings and driveways.
According to Geoscience Australia’s ‘FeltMap’, residents living in Far North Queensland and along the New South Wales border reported feeling the tremors.
Geoscience Australia seismologist Michelle Salmon said, “This is the largest earthquake we’ve had on shore in 50 years. We can certainly expect more aftershocks from this event.”
During an earthquake or aftershocks, the most important actions are to drop, cover, and hold on.
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If indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to its legs. If no sturdy object is available, crouch next to an interior wall and cover your head and neck.
If outdoors, move to an open space away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
If in a vehicle, pull over to a safe location and stay inside until the shaking stops.
