Five years on, Broome residents remember one of Australia's largest earthquakes ever recorded

Briefly:

Residents of Broome, in far north-western Australia, remember the 6.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the city five years ago, the strongest quake in Australian history.

This week, seven earthquakes struck the town of Port Hedland, more than 600 kilometres south of Broome.

What then?

The Environmental Emergency Services Department says the fifth anniversary and the Port Hedland earthquake are an opportunity to remind residents how to protect themselves in earthquakes.

Five years after northwest Australia was hit by an earthquake equivalent to the country's strongest recorded, residents still remember it as an eerie and unforgettable experience.

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck at 3.39pm on July 14, 2019, and was felt all the way from Broome to Perth, with around 58 aftershocks recorded.

Although it did not result in any injuries or major damage, it did cause minor damage to roof panels and inventory in stores.

Julie Russell lost nearly $1,000 in stock from her business in Broome's Chinatown neighborhood, and remembers feeling overwhelmed when the shelves in her store started shaking.

“Everyone panicked because [we] “I didn't know what it was,” she said.

The quake was felt as far north as Western Australia, with reports coming in from as far away as Darwin. (Source: Geoscience Australia)

“I had to scream at [the customers] to get out because things were falling off the shelves from above.

“I hope it doesn't happen, but I'm afraid it will happen again.”

Steve Chambers, the owner of a fishing tackle store, was outside his shop cutting cardboard boxes when he noticed the trees rustling.

“Things started moving a little bit, so I ran inside,” he said.

“It's something out of the ordinary, but I didn't think anything would fall, but maybe [got] “Ready to walk out the front door if that happens.”

Steve Chambers, owner of Broome Tackle World, remembers the stock shaking on his shelves. (ABC Kimberley: Roslyn Butcher)

One resident told ABC that he was riding a motorbike when the quake struck and did not even feel it.

“When I got home all my pictures were hanging sideways, which meant something had happened,” he said.

Washington State Holds Title for Most Regular Earthquake

Seven earthquakes struck Port Hedland, 600 kilometres south of Broome, in just 12 hours this week, with the strongest measuring 3.9 magnitude.

The Australian Geoscience Service described the four small earthquakes as a “swarm.” (Source: Australian Geoscience Service)

Western Australia holds the title of the most earthquake-prone state in the country, said Tamara King, a seismologist with the Australian Geoscience Agency.

The state will experience an average magnitude 5 earthquake event every three years or so, Dr. King said.

She added that the aftershocks associated with the Broome earthquake will continue for years.

“Most of these aftershocks will not actually be felt by people, if they are very low in magnitude,” Dr. King said.

“But sometimes there might be a 3 or 4 magnitude earthquake that people can feel and we consider it an aftershock.”

Dr King said that since the Northwest Shelf has slightly higher seismicity rates, it is important for people to be aware of the tsunami risk to the north of the country.

She said that recording any information about earthquakes on the Australian Geosciences website could provide invaluable data for scientific research.

“We have seen quite a few of these events in recorded history over the past century,” Dr. King said.

“The Broome earthquake topped the list, tied with the 1968 Meekering earthquake and the 1989 Tennant Creek earthquake.”

Several local supermarkets have reported spoiled stock. (Source: Jessica Stevens)

Earthquake Risk Reminder

Kimberley Fire and Emergency Services Superintendent Leon Gardiner said while the 2019 earthquake fortunately did not result in any injuries or major damage, the fifth anniversary was an important reminder.

“This has certainly become the talk of the town in terms of earthquake risk,” he added.

The challenge with earthquakes, Mr. Gardiner said, is that you can't predict when they will happen.

There are three simple steps that people should be aware of.

“Lie on the ground, cover your head and neck with your arms, seek shelter under a sturdy desk or table, or move into an open space if you are outside, and hold onto that shelter until the shaking stops,” he said.

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