Strong quake hits remote Australia border region, no damage reported
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the border of Australia's Northern Territory and South Australia on Sunday, according to Geoscience Australia. The quake hit around 4.30 am local time with its epicenter south of Yulara, a township near Uluru. No early reports of damage have emerged. The US Geological Survey placed the quake 77 kilometers south-southwest of Yulara.
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake rocked the border region between Australia's Northern Territory and South Australia on Sunday, according to Geoscience Australia. The tremor struck at approximately 4.30 am local time (1530 GMT Saturday), with its epicenter located south of Yulara, a township near Uluru and southwest of Alice Springs, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
US Geological Survey data
The US Geological Survey stated that the quake occurred 77 kilometers (47.8 miles) south-southwest of Yulara and registered at a magnitude of 5.5. No early reports of damage have emerged from the remote area.
Seismologist's assessment
Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate said the agency received about 30 reports from individuals who felt the quake. He noted that the magnitude was equivalent to the devastating 1989 Newcastle earthquake that killed and injured dozens of people. "It's the same size earthquake, it just happens to be in quite a remote part of the country rather than near a populated centre, so there is that potential for it to have quite some significant impacts," he said.
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