Type Status Location Last Updated
Evacuate Immediately - Geo Severe Perkins Reef, Tarrengower, Maldon, Welshmans Reef 29/11/2019
A 5 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Maldon at 8:00pm.

If you live, work or are holidaying in this area, you should evacuate immediately.
Evacuate immediately - there is a significant risk to lives and homes.
What you should do:

When you leave, remember to:
  • Take your pets.
  • Take your mobile phone and charger.
  • Take at least three days’ supply of clothes and medications.
  • Collect important documents, mementos and photos and take them with you.
  • Turn off electricity and gas at the mains.

Travel to a safe location. Options include:
  • A relief centre has been opened at Castlemaine.
  • The home of family or friends who live in a safe location, away from the earthquake.
  • The safest evacuation route is by Castlemaine - Maldon Road
If you are travelling by car:
  • For road closure information go to traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 131 170.
  • Drive slowly and obey all roadblocks.
  • Be aware of road hazards such as mud, debris and damaged roads and bridges.
Conditions can change quickly and roads may become cut off. 

If you have already evacuated:
  • Do not return to your home until a Safe to Return notification is issued.
  • Register at a relief centre so that your friends, family and authorities can be informed that you are safe.

If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you. 

Tune in to your local emergency broadcasters: Listen to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV. 
Impacts in your area: 
  • This earthquake has caused major damage to buildings, roads and bridges.
  • There may be no power, water, sewerage or telephone services, and you may be unable to call for help in an emergency.
  • Be aware that aftershocks may occur and could cause further damage.
This message was issued by State Emergency Service.

The next update is expected by 29/11/2019 08:50 pm or as the situation changes.

Earthquake information:
Emergency contacts: 
Stay informed: 
  • Go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
  • Listen to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
  • Phone the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about this warning on 1800 226 226 (freecall).
  • People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
  • For help with English, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
  • Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#vicquake) or Facebook.