On Saturday night, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck West Texas, part of an ongoing swarm of seismic activity near the Texas-New Mexico border. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 7:47 PM, approximately 35 miles south of Whites City, New Mexico, and about 4 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Due to the area’s sparse population, few residents were affected, with reports indicating no injuries. The USGS noted that the risk of ground failure, landslides, or liquefaction—where soil acts like a fluid—was low.
This significant earthquake was part of a series of 46 smaller quakes recorded in the region since early April. Notably, Saturday night also experienced two other quakes measuring 3.4 and 2.9. There is a 65% chance of experiencing a strong aftershock within a week, according to USGS data.
The tremors were felt across several Texas cities, including Arlington, Midland, and Lubbock, as indicated by the USGS’s “Did You Feel It” reporting tool. The earthquake’s location is roughly equidistant between the major cities of Midland and El Paso, highlighting the ongoing seismic activity in this part of West Texas.
Despite the intensity of the seismic events, local officials reported no injuries or significant damage, though they continue to monitor the situation closely. The earthquake has drawn attention to the geological dynamics of the area, as residents and scientists alike consider the implications of the recent swarm of activity.
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