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

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