STANTON, Texas – A mild earthquake briefly shook parts of West Texas Thursday afternoon, centered roughly 12 kilometers west of Stanton, according to preliminary data from the Texas Seismological Network (TexNet). The quake measured magnitude 3.1 and struck at a shallow depth of 8.3 kilometers, producing light tremors that were felt across portions of Midland and Martin counties.
According to TexNet, the earthquake occurred around 12:42 p.m. local time and was strong enough to be noticed indoors by a few residents but caused no reports of damage or injury. The epicenter was west of Stanton, within the oil-rich Permian Basin region, an area that has seen increased seismic activity over the past decade linked to wastewater injection and energy operations.
Residents in Midland and Big Spring reported mild shaking lasting only a few seconds. Emergency management officials said no disruptions were reported to utilities, pipelines, or local infrastructure.
Authorities encourage residents who felt the tremor to submit reports to the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Did You Feel It?” program to assist with monitoring local seismic trends. No aftershocks have been detected, though TexNet continues to monitor the area for additional activity.
