A 5.9 magnitude earthquake has been felt in Melbourne.

People have reported feeling the tremor from Geelong and Gippsland.

Geoscience Australia has confirmed a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Mansfield.

Listener Paul told Mark Levy his whole house shook.

“Originally, I thought it was a plane came down, it was that strong.

“It was pretty powerful.”

2GB listeners are reporting tremors were felt in NSW as well.

Press PLAY below to hear the callers

Chapel street pic.twitter.com/WKN7uRDcw6

— Tony Tardio (@tonytardio) September 21, 2021

While earthquakes are usually associated with places built on fault lines, ANU seismologist Dr Michelle Salmon explained to Joe Hildebrand when tectonic plates shift, the effects can be felt inland.

“There are actually quite a few earthquakes in the area … people don’t necessarily notice the small ones.

“We still get pressures building up as the tectonic plates push against each other, inside the plates, and that’s what’s happening in Australia.

“Basically we’re seeing the releases of those pressures as they get to rock that [is] a little bit weaker.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Thornbury resident Siobhan Ormandy and Kim Watkins shared their experiences of the quake with Jim Wilson.

Siobhan described the event as “like something out of a movie”, buried in work when suddenly her desk, crockery and even pet dog began to shake.

Kim meanwhile, had a birthday she won’t soon forget.

Press PLAY below to hear their witness accounts

Image: Twitter/Tom Steinfort