NewsEarthquake shakes Texas-New Mexico border, aftershocks expected

Earthquake shakes Texas-New Mexico border, aftershocks expected

On Saturday night, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 occurred in the Texas and New Mexico area. Fortunately, this region is sparsely populated, so no major damage was reported.

Strong earthquake in Texas. 46th this month.
Strong earthquake in Texas. 46th this month.
Images source: © United States Geological Survey
Violetta Baran

What do you need to know?

  • Where and when? An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 occurred on Saturday at 8:47 PM local time.
  • What are the effects? The shock affected a sparsely populated area.
  • What next? There is a 65 percent chance of a strong aftershock occurring within the week.

What are the details of the earthquake?

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 occurred on Saturday night in the Texas and New Mexico region. The epicentre was located about 56 kilometres south of Whites City, and the shock occurred at a depth of over 6 kilometres beneath the Earth's surface.

On Saturday night, aftershocks with magnitudes of 3.4 and 2.9 were also recorded.

The region is sparsely populated, and according to USGS data, few residents felt the tremors. No major damage was reported.

Is this the only earthquake in the region?

The latest earthquake – according to USGS data – is one of a series of 46 mostly minor earthquakes that have occurred in the same region since April. A day earlier, on Friday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 occurred in the same area.

The US Geological Survey warns that there is a 65 percent chance of a strong aftershock occurring within the next week.

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