Whites City, New Mexico – A swarm of earthquakes struck southern New Mexico late Thursday night on Christmas, shaking areas near the Texas border and continuing a pattern of heightened seismic activity in the region. The strongest quake reached a magnitude of 3.5, occurring about 55 miles south of Whites City, followed by multiple smaller tremors through the late evening hours.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Texas Seismological Network, at least nine earthquakes were recorded Thursday night, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 3.5. The quakes were shallow, generally between 4 and 7 kilometers deep, which can make even moderate events feel sharper at the surface.
Light shaking was possible across parts of Eddy County and remote areas east of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, as well as near the New Mexico–Texas border. Some residents may have noticed brief jolts or rumbling during the quiet holiday night, though no damage or injuries were reported.
Officials say no immediate action is needed, but residents are encouraged to secure loose items and submit felt reports to assist seismic monitoring efforts.
Earthquake swarms can continue for days, and additional tremors remain possible. Seismologists will keep monitoring activity, and further updates may be issued if shaking persists into the weekend.
