A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Rawson, Victoria, early Friday morning, according to Geoscience Australia. The earthquake occurred at 1:32 a.m. local time and had an epicenter about 150 kilometers east of Melbourne.
The earthquake was felt by thousands of people across Melbourne and surrounding areas, with some reporting shaking and rattling. There have been no reports of damage or injuries.
Geoscience Australia said the earthquake was relatively shallow, at a depth of about 7 kilometers. Shallow earthquakes are typically more felt than deeper earthquakes.
The earthquake is the second to hit Victoria in recent weeks. A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck near Sunbury, Melbourne, on May 28.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in Victoria, which is located in a seismically active region. However, large earthquakes are rare. The last major earthquake to hit Victoria was a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in 1969.
Residents of Victoria are advised to stay calm and avoid shaking buildings if they feel an earthquake. They should also check their homes and belongings for damage.
