Whites City, N.M. — Two minor earthquakes struck back-to-back Tuesday evening south of Whites City, giving parts of Eddy County a brief shake near the Texas border. The stronger of the two, a magnitude 3.9, was recorded around 1:19 p.m. MDT, following a 2.8 tremor less than 10 minutes earlier, according to the Texas Seismological Network (TexNet). Both quakes occurred roughly 57 kilometers south of Whites City at shallow depths near 5 kilometers.
According to TexNet data, the quakes were reviewed and confirmed, though only a few residents submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports, suggesting limited surface impact. No damage or injuries were immediately reported, and local emergency officials have not issued any advisories.
The seismic activity occurred near the Texas–New Mexico line, an area that has seen occasional small quakes tied to regional fault movement and underground energy activity. Residents in Carlsbad, Loving, and surrounding oilfield communities may have noticed brief vibrations or a low rumble.
Officials advise residents to secure loose objects and report any structural damage if additional tremors occur. Seismologists say no aftershocks have been recorded as of Tuesday evening, but monitoring continues.
Warnings remain low, but experts urge awareness in case of future activity in the area.
