Broome earthquake: 6.6 magnitude quake felt from Esperance to Broome, thousands of people dead, homes destroyed

Broome earthquake: 6.6 magnitude quake felt from Esperance to Broome, thousands of people dead, homes destroyed

The 6.6 magnitude earthquake that rattled Broome on the weekend was on par with the largest ever recorded in Australia and was felt along several thousand kilometres of coastline from Darwin down to Perth and around to Esperance.

 

While it certainly gave residents a scare, damage appears to have been limited to some roof panels and stock that tumbled from supermarket shelves.

 

Geosciences Australia earthquake seismologist Trevor Allen said a quake of that power could have been devastating, but the country dodged a bullet.

“We were really fortunate that this earthquake occurred offshore and well away from any main population centres,” Mr Allen said.

 

“People often don’t think of earthquakes being a major threat in Australia, for the most part Australian communities are more aware of fires and floods.

 

“Earthquakes are rarer events but when they do occur, they can have higher consequences.”

Mr Allen said despite Sunday’s quake being significantly stronger, its depth and location about 200 kilometres off the coast meant it had far less of an impact.