MUSWELLBROOK residents reported not one, but two, earthquakes over the weekend.
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On Sunday, June 25, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake hit the shire.
The quake struck at 1.19am (AEST), at a depth of 5km.
However, it wasn’t going to be the final incident for the day.
At 8.45pm (AEST), the same area encountered a 2.75 magnitude quake at a depth of 10km.
Muswellbrook is no stranger to the occasional tremor.
According to Geoscience Australia seismologist Eddie Leask, there has been about 15 earthquakes within 20km of Sunday’s event in the past 12 months.
“It’s an area with known faults,” he said.
“We know the Hunter Valley is a place [prone to] earthquakes.
“That’s not going to change.”
Mr Leask said people should drop, cover and hold in the event of a strong earthquake.
“One of the most dangerous things is when people are hit by falling debris as they’re running [away],” he said.
People are advised to cover themselves under a heavy table or in a doorway and wait a few minutes after shaking stops before moving.
Those who felt the earthquake are asked to fill out a public report at http://www.ga.gov.au/earthquakes/staticPageController.do?page=felt-earthquake
These reports are welcomed by Geoscience Australia, and help them to understand the nature of the quakes in the region.