Two major cities in Australia were shaken early Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, as separate earthquakes struck within hours of each other, rattling residents and prompting numerous reports to authorities.
The first tremor occurred in Melbourne at approximately 12:30 AM, registering a magnitude of 2.8. The epicenter was located near Mount Dandenong in the Olinda area, at a depth of 5 kilometers. According to Geoscience Australia, over 620 individuals reported feeling the quake, with accounts of tremors stretching from Jam Jerrup in the south to Craigieburn in the north.
Just under two hours later, at around 2 AM, Adelaide was rocked by a slightly smaller quake, measuring 2.7 in magnitude. This tremor was centered near Nairne, east of the city, and occurred at a depth of 9 kilometers. Almost 200 residents contacted Geoscience Australia to report that they felt the quake, primarily those in and around the Adelaide region.
Seismology Research Centre chief scientist Adam Pascale commented on the frequency of small earthquakes in the Adelaide Hills area, noting, “(I’m) surprised it has been felt, it is pretty small, but it’s something that’s seemingly occurring almost every year around this time of year.” He explained that while there has been a pattern of earthquakes emerging from March to May in recent years, the timing is not due to seasonal factors. Instead, it is attributed to the gradual build-up of stress beneath the Earth's surface.
Pascale highlighted that more significant tremors began in 2022, starting with a magnitude of 3.7, followed by a 3.1 later that same month. In 2023, a 2.7 tremor was recorded, with smaller quakes occurring sporadically since then. He warned that a more powerful quake could be on the horizon, stating, “There’s been a magnitude six in South Australia in recent history … it’s quite likely that there will be another large event sometime.” He added, “Unfortunately, I can’t predict these things, but we know that we will see an event of magnitude five or six, probably in the next 50 or 100 years.”
Both Melbourne and Adelaide sit on the Australian tectonic plate, which shifts approximately 7 centimeters each year. Geoscience Australia explained that earthquakes in Australia are caused by the slow build-up of stress in the interior of the continent. “The stress that builds in these tectonic plates during this movement is released as an earthquake,” the agency noted.
Historically, Australia has not been known for frequent large earthquakes; however, minor tremors are not uncommon. A notable earthquake occurred on March 1, 1954, in Adelaide, which registered a magnitude of 5.4. This event resulted in three serious injuries and caused damage to over 3,000 buildings, leading to more than 30,000 insurance claims for structural damage.
Australia’s largest recorded earthquake took place in 1988 near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, estimated at a magnitude of 6.6. Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported from the recent quakes that rattled Melbourne and Adelaide.
As residents of both cities assess the aftermath of the tremors, authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region. Experts emphasize the importance of preparedness for future seismic events, especially given the potential for larger earthquakes in the coming decades.
In summary, the early hours of May 6, 2025, served as a reminder of the geological forces at play beneath Australia's surface. While the recent quakes were minor, they highlight the dynamic nature of the Australian tectonic landscape and the ongoing potential for more significant seismic events in the future.
