Whites City, N.M. – A light earthquake struck southern New Mexico on Saturday morning, briefly shaking parts of Eddy County and nearby desert areas south of Whites City. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the magnitude 3.3 quake occurred around 8:19 a.m. local time, centered roughly 60 kilometers south of Whites City at a depth of about 11.8 kilometers.
According to the USGS, the tremor was reviewed and confirmed, though there were no immediate reports of damage or injury. The quake’s epicenter was located near the Texas border, southeast of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, in a region known for occasional low-level seismic activity.
Residents in southern Eddy County and far west Texas may have felt light vibrations, but local emergency management agencies have not issued any alerts. Experts say quakes of this magnitude are typically too weak to cause structural damage but may serve as a reminder of the region’s geological volatility.
Officials encourage residents to check home emergency kits and review earthquake safety steps, including securing heavy items and knowing safe indoor locations during shaking.
No additional aftershocks have been recorded, but the USGS continues to monitor the area for any further seismic activity through the weekend.
