Kalgoorlie hit by earthquake

20 Apr 2010, 11:09 am   -   Source: SBS staff and agencies
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The Kalgoorlie quake forced the evacuation of the area's Super Pit goldmine and a school (USGS)

The Kalgoorlie quake forced the evacuation of the area's Super Pit goldmine and a school (USGS)

An earthquake has rattled Kalgoorlie in the Western Australian goldfields, with reports of damage and mines, schools and hospitals being evacuated.

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An earthquake has rattled Kalgoorlie in the Western Australian goldfields, with reports of damage and mines, schools and hospitals being evacuated.

The USGS says the quake, measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, hit at 8.17am, local time (1017 EST). Its epicentre was 30km north east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, at a depth of 10km.

Police say a number of buildings in Boulder and elsewhere were damaged by the tremor, and pictures from the scene show several collapsed walls.

But a WA Police spokeswoman said there were no serious injuries, and only one slight injury.

Workers at the town's Super Pit gold mine have been evacuated. 

Main street cordoned off

Mines in the area have been temporarily closed for safety checks, but authorities say all miners are safe and accounted for.

Students at several local schools have been herded outside after ceilings collapsed and buildings were seriously damaged.

Staff and patients at a local hospital have also been evacuated amid fears of a gas leak.

Burt Street, the main street in Boulder, has been cordoned off because of damage to a number of properties.

Residents are being warned to prepare for the possibility of aftershocks. 



 

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Your Comments

Yes yes

Chris - from Perth, 2 years ago

Could it be associated with the great shift taking place at present?

Kalgoorlie Quake

Movers & shakers - from Kalgoorlie, 2 years ago

Very scarey, & have felt a few after shocks. Hopefully all the boys underground are safe. KCGM + many others have shutdown to assess for damage.

earthquake

tina - from mandurah, 2 years ago

Hope you are all safe and well. Thinking of you all and praying things are back to normal very quickly. Keep smiling. Regards Tina

Lismore Liz

Marlene Hastings - from Lismore, 2 years ago

Almost daily there is an occurance, and I question the frequency.
The fact that headlines (on a whole) aren't made, is it due to the fact that 'Ruling Bodies' have said play them down so as not to cause panic?
In my opinion Gov. should be running Security Adverts re same.

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