A magnitude 5.8 earthquake was felt across the Riverina at approximately 9:15am this morning, felt as far north as Sydney and as far south as Tasmania.
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Originating 40 kilometres south east of Mansfield in the Mount Bulla region, the unprecedented event both shocked and surprised many regional residents.
The seismometer at Marian Catholic College recorded the earthquake was felt at a depth of 10 meters approximately 357 kilometres from Griffith.
Senior Seismologist from Geoscience Australia Trevor Allen said that whilst the earthquake in itself was 'rare', it shouldn't be unexpected that an earthquake of this magnitude could occur.
"An earthquake of this magnitude is quite rare in Australia however we have had earthquakes in the Southern Highlands region in the past," Mr Allen said.
According to Mr Allen, the current reported magnitude and reported epicentre were also expected to change over time.
"This is a relatively fluid situation in terms of our estimates of magnitude and location," Mr Allen said.
"It's very difficult to know what will happen in the future as we are unable to predict future earthquakes however we can expect aftershocks of potentially up to magnitude 5 on the Richter scale for potentially another month."
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What Geoscience Australia does know however about the earthquake was that is was the largest ever earthquake recorded in Victoria since European settlement.
Jyotika Maharaj from Hanwood said the tremor felt in Hanwood was 'quite strong'.
"Never in the 21 years I have lived here have I felt an earthquake like this in Griffith."
"I got the shock of my life, the walls were moving and chimes were chiming, it was very shocking."
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District said that the earthquake forced hospitals to enact emergency evacuation plans.
"No patient evacuations were required and there was no impact on patient care," a spokesperson said.
Some services were briefly paused while the situation was assessed and there have been no reports of damage from any of our facilities at this stage."
Erin Sinclair, Griffith SES Unit volunteer said the SES was 'here to help' for anyone who sustained damage to their property during the earthquake.
"Don't hesitate to give us a call if you require assistance fixing up and making safe damage property," Mrs Sinclair said.
"You can call us on 132 500 if needed."
More information about the earthquake as it develops will be made available here.
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