Twin Earthquakes Shake Melbourne, Adelaide, Residents Report Tremors

Melbourne and Adelaide were struck by minor earthquakes just hours apart, with a magnitude 2.8 quake hitting near Mount Dandenong in Melbourne and a 2.7 quake near Nairne east of Adelaide. Hundreds of residents in both cities reported feeling the tremors, though damage was minimal and such small quakes are considered relatively common in these regions. Seismologists attribute this activity to the gradual build-up of stress along the Australian tectonic plate, which moves about 7cm per year and occasionally releases energy as seismic events. Experts note that while these recent quakes were minor, the Adelaide Hills region has seen similar tremors almost annually in recent years, and historical records suggest larger earthquakes are possible in the future. Residents are encouraged to stay prepared, as predictions indicate that a magnitude five or six event could occur in South Australia within the next century, even though the exact timing cannot be forecast. These events serve as reminders of the continent's underlying seismic risks, despite Australia not being known for frequent large earthquakes.