Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers responded to over 100 calls for help on Wednesday (22 September) when, according to Geoscience Australia, the State experienced one of the largest earthquakes in eastern Australia since European settlement.
Chief Officer of Operations at VICSES, Tim Wiebusch said since the 5.9 magnitude earthquake, VICSES crews had been out in their communities undertaking public reassurance activities with Incident Control Centres activated in North East Victoria, Metro Melbourne and Gippsland.
“With further aftershocks still possible, the Victoria State Emergency Service is urging Victorians to stay safe and use common sense if out and about,” Chief Officer Wiebusch said.
“It’s important to remain calm, but vigilant,”
“Expect aftershocks, and ensure to stay away from damaged buildings and other hazards.”
Chief Officer Wiebusch said minor building damage had been recorded in parts of Melbourne, including Kensington, Ascot Vale, Prahran, Parkdale, Elsternwick, West Melbourne and Balwyn.
The Chief Officer said aftershocks could continue to occur for some time after the main earthquake and people should educate themselves about what to do.
VICSES said people who were indoors during an earthquake should drop to the ground, take cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture and hold on until the shaking stopped; stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall; not use elevators; and stay indoors until the shaking stopped.
“Do not exit a building during the shaking,” VICSES said.
“Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave,” it said.
VICSES said people should not use doorways for cover as many inside doorways were lightly constructed and did not offer protection.
The Service said people who were outdoors during an earthquake should move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires, and stay outdoors until the shaking stopped.
Further information from VICSES on what to do during an earthquake can be accessed at this PS News link.
