Mid-Mountains Shaken by 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake near Leura

Residents of the Mid-Mountains area were rattled tonight as a magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck near Leura, sending tremors through homes and communities. The seismic event, reported by Geoscience Australia, occurred at 8:53pm local time, with the epicenter located just 23 kilometers from Leura.

The earthquake, classified as ‘light’ on the Richter Scale, impacted a significant portion of the Blue Mountains region, with reports of shaking houses and rattled nerves spreading across social media platforms. Areas including Penrith, Campbelltown, Blacktown, and Katoomba felt the effects of the quake.

According to Geoscience Australia, initial assessments place the earthquake epicenter west of Warragamba Dam, with a likely magnitude of 3.6. Mayor Mark Greenhill of the Blue Mountains took to social media at 9:37pm to update residents that assessment crews were evaluating the situation and urged residents to report any damages or concerns to emergency services.

Earthquakes are no stranger to the Blue Mountains, with a notable event occurring in October 2018 when a magnitude 3.1 earthquake shook the region. A smaller tremor was also recorded in February 2022, highlighting the geological activity present in the area.

Residents are advised to remain cautious in the aftermath of the earthquake, as aftershocks and potential structural damage could pose risks. For real-time updates and detailed information, residents can utilize Google’s Android Alerts System or visit Geoscience Australia’s website to report their experiences and stay informed.