Albury region hit by ‘largest earthquake’ in 20 years

Areas near the NSW-VIC border have been shaken by its “largest earthquake in 20 years”, with residents feeling the “powerful” impact.

The earthquake hit at 12.30pm, Friday. Picture: Geoscience Australia

Southern NSW has been rocked by its “largest earthquake” in two decades, according to Geoscience Australia professionals.

Seismologist John Bathgate told this publication the 3.7 magnitude earthquake which hit the Albury, Wodonga and Holbrook region on Friday at 12.30pm, was the largest to impact the southern region in 20 years.

“It was a significant earthquake for this area, but fortunately not large enough to cause extensive damage,” he said.

Mr Bathgate said the earthquake had been reported by a number of residents in the region, but said it was “not prolonged”.

“Any magnitude three earthquake is usually one or two shocks and shakes,” he said.

The earthquake was felt all the way into Victoria. Picture: Geoscience Australia

“A lot of people sometimes mistake them for a large truck, thunder, or train.”

Despite only being brief, Mr Bathgate said it was interesting to see a nearly magnitude four earthquake hit the region.

“There’s been 30 earthquakes in this region in the past 20 years and they have all been magnitude one to twos until today,” he said.

Residents have taken to social media to report what they felt during the brief, but “powerful” quake.

One said their windows rattled, while another posted about “two large” shakes.

“I thought a gas canister blew up,” they posted.

Mr Bathgate said aftershocks were “always possible” but said not to expect anything major.

“I don’t imagine any dwellings or anything have been damaged due to its size, but its a good reminder that larger earthquakes can hit at any time.”

Geoscience Australia data reveals while this was the largest earthquake to hit the area in 20 years, the Albury region specifically has felt larger, such as the 4.8 magnitude earthquake shaking the border town 47 years ago.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Albury region hit by ‘largest earthquake’ in 20 years