Powerful earthquake strikes off Coral Bay

Monday, 17 December 2018 07:24

By Monique Passchier

A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of Coral Bay in WA's north.

The magnitude 5.9 quake hit 123km offshore just before 10.30pm on Sunday.

It is the second largest earthquake felt in Australia in 20 years.

It was followed by a smaller 3.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Carnarvon.

At this stage there are no reports of damage and no tsunami threat.

"You would expect a significant amount of damage from an earthquake of that size if it had struck under a town or city," Geoscience Australia Hugh Glanville told ABC News.

Residents as far south as Perth and north of Port Headland have reported feeling the tremor.

Did you feel the Earth move near Coral Bay, Western Australia? At approximately 10:26 pm AWST on Sunday there was a magnitude 5.9 #earthquake offshore between Carnarvon and Exmouth. If you felt the earthquake, you can complete a felt report online: https://t.co/G46A8Y6YOS #eqaus pic.twitter.com/P1QvAy1a7i
— Geoscience Australia (@GeoscienceAus) December 16, 2018

More from Local News

Mandurah woman completes grueling English Channel swim

A Mandurah woman has successfully swum the English Channel.
Man and child seriously injured in South West crash

A 28-year-old man and a seven-year-old child have suffered serious injuries following a crash in Australind.
Motorists warned to expect delays during Kwinana Freeway upgrades

Major upgrades to the Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Safety Bay Road are another step closer but motorists have been warned to expect two years of delays during construction.
Driver injured in Serpentine crash

A driver has suffered serious injuries in a crash in Serpentine.
Man and woman wanted for questioning over Lakelands car theft

Police are looking for a man and woman who allegedly stole a car from Lakelands Shopping Centre.
Mission Australia celebrates 25 years of supporting young people through Mandurah Reconnect program

Mission Australia is celebrating 25 years of its Mandurah Reconnect program which supports young people and families navigate conflict, prevent homelessness and build stronger futures across the Peel region.
'Mad Eagles fan' wins $6 million Lotto prize

A mad Eagles fan has claimed a $6 million Lotto win.
Mandurah woman loses everything in house fire

A woman has lost everything in a house fire in Mandurah.
Gift card scams surge past $1 million prompting urgent warning from Consumer Protection

More than $1 million has been lost in scams involving gift card payments this year, triggering an urgent warning from Consumer Protection