CARLSBAD, N.M. – Two minor earthquakes struck near Whites City late Monday and early Tuesday, giving southeastern New Mexico residents a brief jolt but causing no reported damage. The first quake, a magnitude 3.4, hit about 30 kilometers northwest of Whites City on Monday night. Hours later, a second 3.2 magnitude tremor occurred roughly 57 kilometers south of the same area, closer to the Texas border.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Texas Seismological Network, both quakes were shallow, occurring at depths of around 6 kilometers. The strongest shaking was detected in remote desert areas near the Guadalupe Mountains, though light tremors may have been felt in Carlsbad and neighboring Eddy County communities.
Local emergency managers said no infrastructure damage or service interruptions were reported, but residents are encouraged to review household safety plans. Minor aftershocks are possible, though none had been recorded as of early Tuesday morning.
Earthquake monitoring agencies will continue to track seismic activity in the New Mexico–Texas border region, which has seen a gradual increase in small quakes over recent years, often linked to regional oil and gas operations.
No additional advisories are in effect, but seismic sensors remain active through the week.
