Geoscience Australia recorded the earthquake at 12.13pm, with the epicentre being Mount Compass.

Senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate said the “short, sharp shake” last a few seconds, and he would not expect any damage caused in the area.

He said the earthquake had been felt as far away as Blackwood and the Adelaide Hills, up to 30 to 40 kilometres from the epicentre.

“We’ve had over 80 felt reports,” Mr Bathgate said.

But, he said, this kind of earthquake was not an irregular occurrence. 

“Over the last 30 years, we’ve had almost 50 of these (types of earthquakes),” Mr Bathgate said.

“In terms of the magnitude, it’s in the range of the size usually felt in the area.

“It’s not really an unusual event for the area.”

He said the earthquakes and what caused them were part of what forms Australia’s interesting geoscience background.

“There are a number of faultlines from the Flinders Ranges, right through to where you are now, and off shor to Kangaroo Island,” he said.

“It’s one of the more active areas in Australia. That’s because Australia is moving north seven centimetres every year on the tectonic plate.”

Victor Harbor Times