North Queensland Earthquake
(5) marks: 5NORTH Queensland was hit by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake yesterday, with reports from across the region of buildings being shaken.
The 5.2 magnitude quake hit about 124km southeast of Townsville, near Ayr and Home Hill, at 3.31pm and the effects were reportedly felt for hundreds of kilometres.
Seismologist Jonathon Bathgate from Geoscience Australia said they got more than 100 public reports within half an hour of the tremor but no damage had been reported.
Home Hill residents reported that their windows and doors shook.
North Queenslanders yesterday described what happened as their homes and businesses were shaken by an earthquake.
Patrons at Townsville's historic Seaview Hotel were startled to see tables shake and bottles on the bar started rattling against each other.
“It was obvious what was happening,” the hotel's venue manager Aaron Tyak said.
“The water bottles on the bar started rattling and staff started wondering what was going on.
“There was no panic, more curiosity, it lasted five or 10 seconds and no one thought they were in any danger.”
He said while the quake had rattled the hotel, which is located on The Strand in Townsville, they hadn't lost so much as a glass.
Plates rattled on shelves at the Horseshoe Bay Cafe in Bowen where patrons stopped and stared at one another in confusion.
Safety checks will be carried out today and residents across the state's north have been warned to be prepared for aftershocks. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
Townsville mayor Les Tyrell was hopeful that would remain the case.
“I've spoken to a lot of people and many people felt it and some didn't,” Mr Tyrell said.
“Our disaster control people have gone out to the area where it struck.
“It's about 50km west of Bowen and it's pretty much cattle country but we just want to make sure everyone is safe.”
Around the same time, a 5.3 aftershock struck in Christchurch, New Zealand, still recovering from the devastating 6.3 quake in February.
Two hours later, a 5.9 aftershock struck Japan, the latest in a string quakes since the 9.0 megaquake hit on March 11.
Michael Palmer
Date: 16/04/2011
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