MIDLAND, Texas – A cluster of minor earthquakes rippled across parts of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico on Thursday, with the strongest—a magnitude 2.8—recorded just west of Stanton. The Texas Seismological Network (TexNet) confirmed the quake struck around 5:58 p.m. CDT at a depth of about 9 kilometers, roughly 12 kilometers west of the city.
According to data from both TexNet and the U.S. Geological Survey, two smaller tremors occurred earlier in the day across the state line in New Mexico. A 2.5-magnitude quake was measured east-southeast of Malaga at a depth of 10.5 kilometers, while another 2.6-magnitude tremor struck south of Whites City.
No damage or injuries have been reported, though residents in Carlsbad, Midland, and surrounding communities were encouraged to document any shaking through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system. Light quakes of this size are typically not felt beyond a few miles but can signal shifting stress along regional fault zones tied to oilfield activity.
Officials said the region will remain under observation for additional low-magnitude seismic events into the weekend.
