Magnitude 3.2 Earthquake Rattles Barraba in Northern NSW

 Residents of Barraba, a rural town in northern New South Wales, were jolted early this morning by a 3.2 magnitude earthquake. The tremor, which struck just before dawn, was felt across the region, with many locals reporting a loud rumble followed by noticeable shaking.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Barraba, a town known for its peaceful atmosphere and farming community. While the quake was relatively minor in magnitude, it was strong enough to be felt by those living nearby, causing concern among residents unaccustomed to seismic activity.

“I thought a truck had hit the house," one resident said. "The whole building shook for a few seconds, and there was a loud bang. It was over pretty quickly, but it definitely gave us a fright."

Authorities have confirmed that there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries, though minor structural cracks have been observed in some older buildings. Emergency services have been conducting safety checks throughout the town to ensure that no major damage has occurred.

The quake is a reminder that while rare, earthquakes do occur in Australia, particularly in parts of NSW that sit on minor fault lines. Geoscience Australia confirmed the magnitude and location of the tremor, noting that aftershocks could follow, although they are expected to be weak.

As the town of Barraba returns to its usual calm, the earthquake has left residents talking and perhaps a little more aware of the forces beneath their feet.