July 30, 2015
5.3 magnitude earthquake rocks Queensland - buildings shaken on the Gold Coast (Australia). HIGHRISES across the Gold Coast have been shaken by twin earthquakes which hit off the Queensland coast four minutes apart this morning — but it could be a foreshock to a bigger event. Shock waves from a 5.3 magnitude earthquake originated from the coral sea off the Fraser Coast at 9.41am at a depth of 30km. It was followed by a 3.9 magnitude earthquake four minutes later. Tremors were felt as far south as Kingscliff and all across the Gold Coast.
Reports suggest buildings in Bundaberg were evacuated and Sunshine Coast train services were delayed.
It was the biggest quake to hit the region in more than 100 years and has been described as a ‘once in a generation’ event.
More aftershocks can be expected over coming days but Geoscience Australia duty seismologist Marco Maldoni warned it could be a precursor to a bigger quake to come.
“Often activity will die down but this initial earthquake could be a foreshock to something larger,” he said. “I couldn’t commit myself to saying this is definitely it.”
The earthquake was the largest to hit the region since 1901 but there is no tsunami threat.