Jal, New Mexico – A small but noticeable earthquake rattled parts of southeastern New Mexico Monday afternoon, with a magnitude 3.2 tremor recorded about 28 kilometers southwest of Jal. The quake struck just after sunset and was shallow, increasing the chance it was felt by nearby communities despite its modest strength.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 5 kilometers, centered in rural Lea County near the New Mexico–Texas border. Shallow quakes in this region are more likely to be felt at the surface, particularly in quiet evening hours when background noise is low.
Residents in and around Jal, as well as parts of southern Lea County, may have noticed a brief jolt or light shaking. No injuries or damage were immediately reported, and early data shows no aftershocks above magnitude 1 in the immediate area.
Southeastern New Mexico has seen increased seismic activity in recent years, often linked to wastewater disposal associated with oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin. State and federal agencies continue to monitor activity closely.
The USGS encourages anyone who felt the shaking to submit a report, which helps scientists better understand how earthquakes impact local communities. Additional minor quakes remain possible, though no alerts or advisories are currently in effect.
