Chief Executive Alert 22 September 2021- Melbourne Earthquake

Melbourne Earthquake

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake was recorded around Mansfield, 127km east of Melbourne, at around 9.15am this morning.

While the exact figure may be refined as more data becomes available, this magnitude of earthquake is unusual for Australia, where we have an average of more than 100 low-level earthquakes each year and magnitude 5.0 earthquakes and above every one to two years.

We have undertaken initial assessments and safety checks across our health service, and it appears that there has been no impact on patient care and minimal impact across our health service. No one has been harmed, and our people and patients remain safe.

We will conduct further investigations throughout the day. If you notice damage or any issues, please escalate it via your line management.

Aftershocks 
Aftershocks are normally smaller earthquakes that occur in the same general area following a larger event. We may experience these in the days and weeks to come. While the majority of these are not felt, it is timely to review the advice below, from Earthquakes – How to stay safe – Victoria State Emergency Service.

What do to during an earthquake: DROP, COVER, HOLD ON

If you are indoors during an earthquake:

• Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the shaking. 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.
• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.
• DO NOT use the elevators.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If you are outdoors during an earthquake:

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.

If you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

Concerned or worried?

If you are feeling worried as a result of this morning’s tremor, please talk to your manager, contact our EAP service, or make use of the range of support we have available.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive