Earthquake Near Orange Felt Across Central New South Wales

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Orange in regional New South Wales on the evening of November 8, 2024. The tremor was felt across a wide area, including in Sydney and Wollongong, with nearly 2,000 people reporting the shaking. Emergency services and the nearby Cadia Gold Mine reported no major issues following the event.

Event Details

• Magnitude: 4.5
• Time: Approximately 8:20 PM local time on November 8, 2024.
• Location: The epicenter was near Panuara, on the edge of the Canobolas State Forest.
• Depth: Five kilometers.
• Impact: Weak to light shaking was reported across a wide area, including in Sydney and Wollongong. By 10:00 PM, close to 2,000 people had reported feeling the tremor to Geoscience Australia.

Official Response and Assessments

Senior seismologist Dr. Phil Cummins stated this is the largest earthquake recorded in the area.

According to seismic records dating to 1977, only about five earthquakes have occurred within 50 kilometers of the location. The previous largest was a magnitude 4.3 event in 2017. Dr. Cummins noted the area is not considered to have elevated seismicity.

The Cadia Gold Mine, operated by Newmont Cadia, is located a few kilometers from the epicenter. The company issued a statement saying its sensors detected the seismic activity and that established safety procedures functioned effectively. The statement noted the company's commitment to safe and responsible mining.

Emergency services reported no major issues in the area following the earthquake.

Context and Safety Information

Historical Context: The earthquake was slightly more powerful than a magnitude 4.3 event that occurred near Boorowa, approximately 100 kilometers north of Canberra, the previous month. Sources vary on the magnitude of the Boorowa event, reporting it as either 4.3 or 4.4.

Potential for Aftershocks: Dr. Cummins said aftershocks would not be surprising but would likely be smaller than the initial event.

Safety Advice: Dr. Cummins advised that in the case of strong shaking, people should take cover under something that protects from falling objects and hold on.

Scientific Value: Dr. Cummins emphasized that public reports of feeling earthquakes help scientists gauge the intensity of shaking and improve estimates for potential future events.