Muswellbrook, NSW hit by 4.5 magnitude earthquake felt in Sydney
NSW has been hit by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake overnight, with residents in Sydney being woken by rattling.
The quake hit near Muswellbrook in the state’s Upper Hunter Region, about 127km north-west of Newcastle, at 5.58am on Saturday, according to Geoscience Australia.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: NSW hit by third earthquake in a matter of weeks.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It was recorded as a magnitude 4.7 but later downgraded to 4.5.
Geoscience Australia said the event struck at a depth of 5km.
The earthquake triggered a power outage for about 2,500 in the area, according to Ausgrid.
As of 8.30am, power has since been restored to most homes and businesses, with crews working to restore connection to about 200 properties.
People are urged to keep away from any fallen powerlines.
Local police said they have not been made aware of any injuries or damage to infrastructure.
More than 900 people reported feeling the shake from as far north as Port Macquarie down to Wollongong.
“I was woken up by it,” one Sydney resident said online.
“My bed shook for a few seconds,” a Western Sydney local said.
A Muswellbrook community member said they were standing in a carpark when “the ground was shaking”.
“Scared the crap out of me,” they said.
A second shallower 2.5 magnitude shake was reported in the area about 6.10am at a depth of 1km.
The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no tsunami threat to Australia.
It comes as two earthquakes hit the area within days just two weeks ago.
Homes and businesses were damaged by a 4.7 magnitude earthquake near Denman on August 23 in the Upper Hunter region.
More than 3000 people reported feeling the quake, which caused power outages and forced some schools to evacuate.
Another 4.7 magnitude event hit near Muswellbrook, 26km away, about 4.30pm the following day.
A Muswellbrook resident said Saturday’s quake felt “more violent” than the events two weeks ago.
“The furniture and floor was actually moving side to side. Wardrobe doors opened, and items on bedside table almost fell,” he said.
