Earthquake strikes near Denman, tremor felt at Gunnedah

UPDATED 3.07pm:

Senior Seismologist Dr Hadi Ghasemi said Geoscience Australia registered at least two after-shocks – measuring 3.3 and 2.9 magnitude – following the main earthquake earlier today.

The expert warned more tremors may be felt for some time.

“There is always a possibility that after-shocks will continue for weeks to come, the largest tend to occur in the early stages of the earthquake,” Mr Ghasemi said.

The mining region of Denman is familiar with earthquakes with more than 150 occurring in the area in the last 20 years – one of biggest previously being a 4.4 magnitude quake in 2019.

Mr Ghasemi said it is not unusual for earthquakes to occur nearby mine sites which are located close to fault lines and mineral deposits.

EARLIER:

Geoscience Australia has confirmed what many felt in Gunnedah today, it was an earthquake.

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred east of Denman in the Hunter Valley region at 12pm.

It is one of the largest to hit the region in at least 20 years.

The tremor struck at a depth of 10km under the earth but was strong enough to be felt hundreds of kilometres away, including at Gunnedah.

Business operators in Gunnedah asked the other – did you feel the earth move?

‘Felt reports’ were pouring into to Geoscience Australia with more than 1200 logged less than 30 minutes after the shock.

More than 40 were logged in the Gunnedah area.

Emergency services also received multiple reports of an earthquake in the Hunter Valley region.

Earlier today, NSW Police were advised that NSW SES crews were responding to reports of minor infrastructure damage.

There were no reports of major damage to infrastructure or buildings, and no reports of injury.

Dam owners in the region were urged to ensure that dam integrity has not been affected.

Any reports of damage or injury should be made to local relevant authorities.