Earthquakes are becoming more common in Southern and Western Texas, and residents are beginning to take notice. Over the weekend, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake shook parts of West Texas and New Mexico, continuing a trend of seismic activity that has been building steadily over the past year.
The earthquake happened on Saturday night, May 3, 2025, and was felt across a wide region, including El Paso and surrounding communities. Several smaller aftershocks followed the main event, raising concerns among locals and experts alike.
Details of the May 2025 Earthquake
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the main earthquake struck at 7:47 PM on Saturday evening. It was first reported as a 5.3 magnitude quake but was later upgraded to 5.4 after more data was analyzed.
The epicenter was located 35 miles south of Whites City, New Mexico, in West Texas. The quake was shallow, which often means stronger surface shaking.
By 9:45 PM, the USGS “Felt Report” tool had received almost 1,500 public responses, many from people in West Texas and parts of New Mexico who said they felt the shaking clearly.
Aftershocks
The major quake was followed by two aftershocks, each measuring 2.9 in magnitude. These are considered small, but they are common after a large quake and can still be felt by people near the epicenter.
Other Recent Earthquakes in Texas
This isn’t the first time West Texas has experienced noticeable seismic activity. Here are some other recent earthquakes of 5.0 or higher:
- September 2024: A 5.1 magnitude quake struck the Permian Basin, about 21 miles southwest of Ackerly, Texas. It occurred around 7:49 PM at a depth of roughly 3 miles.
- November 2023: A 5.3 magnitude earthquake was reported in West Texas, again shaking several towns across the region.
- February 2025: A 4.9 magnitude earthquake hit the same general area affected by the recent May 2025 quake.
Strongest Earthquake in Texas History
Texas is not known for frequent earthquakes like California or Alaska, but it has had powerful tremors in the past. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in Texas happened on August 16, 1931, near Valentine, Texas. That quake measured 6.0 in magnitude, and it remains the state’s largest on record.
Why Is Texas Seeing More Earthquakes?
Experts believe that increased oil and gas activity, especially in regions like the Permian Basin, may be contributing to the rise in earthquakes. Processes like wastewater injection into deep wells can put stress on fault lines, leading to small and sometimes large quakes.
Although many of these quakes are not deadly, they can still damage property, frighten residents, and disrupt daily life, especially when multiple aftershocks follow.