The largest recorded earthquake in Western Australia's Goldfields region, causing major structural damage to historic buildings and temporarily closing gold mines.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 5.2 Mw
- Epicenter depth
- 10 km southwest of Kalgoorlie km
- Shaking duration
- 10–15 seconds
- Maximum felt distance
- 1,007 km away km
- Injuries
- 2 minor injuries treated at hospital
- Deaths
- 0
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The earthquake originated from seismic activity approximately 10 km southwest of Kalgoorlie–Boulder at a depth of 10 km. The Goldfields region of Western Australia has a history of intraplate seismicity, though events of this magnitude are uncommon for the area.
On 20 April 2010, a 5.2 Mw earthquake struck near Kalgoorlie–Boulder, Western Australia, at approximately 8:67am WST. The shaking lasted 10–15 seconds and was felt as far as 1,007 km away, making it the largest recorded earthquake in the Goldfields region by magnitude.
The earthquake caused major damage to historic buildings in Kalgoorlie–Boulder and resulted in the temporary closure of several local gold mines, including the prominent Super Pit. Two people sustained minor injuries. The event was recorded as one of the most damaging earthquakes in Australian history in terms of structural impact.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 0 (earthquake)