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The earthquake reportedly measured 6.2 on the Richter scale.

The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed that the quake was recorded 460km west-southwest of AliceSprings at a depth of 10km.

There was no immediate word on damage or casualties – but the region is sparsely populated.

The earthquake is one of the largest to hit mainland Australia since August 1997 – when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded on West Australia's north coast.

That quake was widely felt but no serious damage was reported and there were no injuries.

No tsunami alert has been issued.

It comes after 480 people were killed following an earthquake in Ecuador.

That was soon followed by a second earthquake in the devastated country.

And fears of a catastrophic "mega quake" still exist in Japan.