Jal, NM – A minor earthquake struck near the New Mexico–Texas border overnight, registering a magnitude 3.1 and occurring about 12 kilometers southwest of Jal early Saturday.
According to the Texas Seismological Network (TexNet), the quake hit at 12:29 a.m. UTC on Saturday, April 4, at a depth of approximately 5.8 kilometers. The epicenter was located in Lea County, New Mexico, a region near Midland, Texas, known for both natural seismic activity and energy operations.
The earthquake was relatively weak, and no immediate reports of damage or injuries have been confirmed. Quakes of this magnitude are typically considered light and are often not felt by most residents, though those closest to the epicenter may experience slight shaking.
According to seismic data, the event has been reviewed and confirmed by monitoring agencies. As of now, there have been no significant aftershocks reported in the immediate area.
This region, spanning southeastern New Mexico and western Texas, has experienced an increase in low-magnitude seismic activity in recent years. Experts often attribute some of this activity to both natural geological movement and human-related factors such as oil and gas extraction, though each event is evaluated individually.
Residents in Jal, Midland, and surrounding communities are encouraged to report any shaking they may have felt to help improve seismic tracking and public awareness.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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