Late Friday night, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck near Toyah, Texas, marking one of the most significant seismic events in the state’s recorded history. The quake occurred at 11:23 p.m. CST on February 14, 2025, with its epicenter approximately 33 miles northwest of Toyah, near the border of Culberson and Reeves counties. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake at a shallow depth of about 6.1 kilometers (3.8 miles), intensifying its impact across the region.
Residents across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, including cities like El Paso and Roswell, felt the tremors. The USGS received over 1,300 reports from individuals who experienced the shaking, which ranged from “weak” to “light” intensity. Despite the widespread sensation, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant structural damage.
The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks. Within minutes, three smaller tremors were recorded, the strongest measuring 3.8 in magnitude. These aftershocks were concentrated in the same vicinity as the main event, underscoring the area’s heightened seismic activity.
This earthquake ties for the sixth strongest in Texas history. The state has experienced two magnitude 5.1 earthquakes in the past six months, both tying for the fifth strongest. The most powerful earthquake in Texas was the 1931 Valentine quake, estimated between 5.8 and 6.4 in magnitude.
Scientists have long observed an uptick in seismic events in West Texas, particularly in the Permian Basin, the state’s most prolific oil and gas region. Research indicates that the injection of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations increases underground pressures, potentially triggering earthquakes. A 2021 study by the USGS and the University of Texas linked the rise in seismic activity to these practices.
In response to the growing number of earthquakes, the Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, has implemented measures to mitigate risks. These include expanding areas where wastewater injections are restricted and urging companies to reduce the volume of water injected underground.
Experts warn that continued seismic activity could pose risks to infrastructure and communities, especially if earthquakes occur closer to populated areas. Ongoing monitoring and research are essential to understanding and managing these geological events.
