A 5.0 magnitude earthquake shook West Texas late Friday evening, marking one of the most significant seismic events in the state’s recent history. The tremor, which occurred at 11:23 p.m. Central Time, was centered approximately 33 miles northwest of Toyah, near the border of Culberson and Reeves counties. Despite its remote epicenter, the quake’s effects were felt over 150 miles away, reaching as far as El Paso and parts of southeastern New Mexico.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a shallow depth of about 4.1 miles, contributing to its widespread perceptibility. Reports indicate that approximately 950,000 people experienced shaking ranging from “weak” to “light” intensity. Residents in cities such as El Paso, Carlsbad, and Roswell reported feeling the tremors, with some describing the sensation as a brief but noticeable jolt.
In the immediate aftermath, three smaller aftershocks were recorded within minutes, the strongest measuring 3.8 in magnitude. These subsequent tremors were also shallow, occurring at depths between 3.4 and 7.1 kilometers. The USGS has issued a forecast indicating a 52% probability of additional aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater within the following week.
Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or significant structural damage. Emergency services in the affected areas conducted assessments to ensure public safety and infrastructure integrity. The National Weather Service in El Paso took to social media shortly after the quake, inquiring if residents had felt the tremors, highlighting the event’s reach and prompting community engagement.
This earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in Texas history, according to data from Earthquake Track. The state has experienced two magnitude 5.1 earthquakes in the past six months, both ranking as the fifth strongest. Notably, in November 2023, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near the same region, underscoring a trend of increasing seismic activity in West Texas.
Scientists attribute this uptick in earthquakes to the proliferation of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the Permian Basin—the most productive oil and gas region in Texas. The process involves injecting high-pressure water into the ground to extract hydrocarbons, which can increase fluid pressures within faults and potentially induce seismic events. A 2021 study by the USGS and the University of Texas found a significant correlation between wastewater disposal from fracking and the rise in seismic activity in the region.
In response to these concerns, the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, has implemented measures to mitigate seismic risks. These include monitoring injection wells more closely and, in some cases, restricting or shutting down high-volume disposal sites linked to increased seismicity. Despite these efforts, experts caution that as long as deep-well injection remains prevalent, the potential for induced earthquakes will persist.
The recent quake also raised questions about infrastructure resilience. Minutes after the earthquake, a pipeline explosion and fire were reported in Reeves County. While the pipeline operator, Coterra, stated that the explosion occurred before the earthquake, emergency dispatch records suggest it happened afterward. Although no injuries were reported, the incident has prompted further scrutiny of the potential impacts of seismic activity on critical infrastructure.
As West Texas continues to grapple with the challenges posed by increased seismicity, the event serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing monitoring, regulatory oversight, and community preparedness to address the evolving risks associated with both natural and induced earthquakes.
