Whites City, NM – A minor earthquake was recorded south of Whites City on Friday evening, registering a magnitude of 3.1 and lightly shaking parts of southeastern New Mexico.
According to the Texas Seismological Network (TexNet), the earthquake occurred at 7:15 p.m. UTC on Friday approximately 57 kilometers south of Whites City, near the Texas-New Mexico border. The quake originated at a depth of about 5.7 kilometers beneath the surface.
Data reviewed by seismic officials indicates the event was relatively shallow, which can sometimes make tremors more noticeable near the epicenter despite lower magnitudes. As of Friday night, there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage in Eddy County or surrounding communities.
Whites City is located near Carlsbad Caverns National Park, an area that has experienced occasional seismic activity in recent years. Experts note that parts of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas have seen an uptick in minor earthquakes, often linked to geological shifts and energy-related operations, though each event is evaluated individually.
The quake was marked as “reviewed” by seismic analysts, confirming the accuracy of the magnitude and depth readings. Residents who may have felt shaking are encouraged to report their experiences through official seismic reporting tools to assist researchers in assessing impact levels.
Earthquakes measuring 3.1 are generally considered minor and typically cause little to no damage, though they can be felt indoors, especially in quiet conditions.
Officials continue to monitor seismic activity across the region. No aftershocks had been immediately reported late Friday.
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