What’s happening?
Geoscience Australia is sending six seismic rapid deployment kits to the Sunshine Coast region following the M5.6 earthquake near Kilkivan on Saturday, 16 August 2025. The final locations are still being confirmed.
Since the event, more than 24,000 people have reported feeling the quake through Earthquakes@GA. While no measurable aftershocks were initially recorded, four very small aftershocks have since been detected.
Why it matters
The kits will capture aftershock activity and provide critical details about ground motion. The collected data will be used to improve earthquake monitoring and will be published on the Earthquakes@GA website for public access.
Local Impact
The aftershock data will allow scientists to determine the size and location of even the smallest tremors. This will provide valuable information about the fault that caused the earthquake.
By the Numbers
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16 August 2025 – M5.6 earthquake recorded near Kilkivan.
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24,000+ people lodged shaking reports.
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6 seismic kits now being deployed.
Zoom In
“These aftershock kits will actually help us to locate the little aftershocks that are happening,” said Seismologist Dr Michelle Salmon.
She explained the kits contain a seismometer, accelerometer, solar panels and 4G connectivity, which enables data to be sent live. Seismometers record very small motions, while accelerometers measure larger shaking that seismometers cannot capture alone.
“When we measure all of those aftershocks it helps us to find the fault that has actually broken in this particular event,” Dr Salmon said. She added that the kits also help estimate how long aftershocks may last.
Dr Salmon made clear, “One thing you should know about the kits, they don’t cause earthquakes. They just are silently monitoring what’s going on in the ground.”
She also reminded residents, “If you feel an aftershock please let us know. It gives us even more information. So report it on the earthquakes at GA website.”
Dr Michelle Salmon, Geoscience Australia Seismologist: Watch VIDEO.
Zoom Out
The monitoring kits are expected to begin delivering data this week. This information will improve understanding of the Kilkivan earthquake and assist future research.
What to look for next
Residents can look out for updated aftershock information and shaking reports published on the Earthquakes@GA website.
