On Saturday night, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck West Texas, contributing to a series of seismic events in the area near the Texas-New Mexico border, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 7:47 p.m., approximately 35 miles south of Whites City, New Mexico, and about 4 miles beneath the surface. The surrounding region, located between Midland and El Paso, has a sparse population, which minimized the impact on residents. The USGS indicated that ground failure, landslides, and liquefaction—which occurs when soil acts like a liquid—were unlikely outcomes from the tremor.
This earthquake was part of a swarm of 46 smaller quakes that have been recorded since early April. The USGS has assessed a 65% probability of a significant aftershock occurring within the week following the initial quake. In addition to the 5.3 magnitude quake, there were two other notable tremors on the same night, registering magnitudes of 3.4 and 2.9.
Responses to the USGS’s “Did You Feel It” survey came from various Texas cities, including Arlington, Midland, and Lubbock. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from these seismic activities. Overall, the event showcased the geological activity in the region while underscoring the importance of monitoring such events, especially considering the potential for aftershocks.
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