A 4.6 magnitude earthquake has hit the NSW Hunter region, with tremors felt as far south as Wollongong and as far west as the Blue Mountains.

In the early hours of Wednesday, just before 3 AM, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the NSW Hunter region. Residents as far south as Wollongong and westward to Katoomba reported feeling tremors. According to Geoscience Australia data, over 3,500 people reported sensation from the quake, particularly in high-rise apartments in Sydney. Notably, those living in Wentworth Point and Mascot experienced ‘strong shaking’ in their buildings. One resident described the experience as a mix of amazement and fear, highlighting the psychological impact such events can have on individuals. Dr. Phil Cummins from Geoscience Australia indicated this seismic activity is not out of the ordinary for the area, referencing previous earthquakes in August of the previous year, including two significant quakes of 4.7 and 4.5 magnitudes. There have been no reports of injury or damage following this quake, which may lead to some aftershocks in the coming week. This earthquake comes at a time when the region is already facing discussions around nuclear site proposals, which had been impacted by earlier seismic events. Authorities encourage residents to report their experiences of the tremors through the Geoscience Australia website. Overall, despite being a notable event causing widespread awareness, the event’s lack of serious aftermath reinforces the necessity for community preparedness for such natural occurrences.