Magnitude 5.4 earthquake rocks West Texas

aOne of the strongest earthquakes in Texas History hit Friday night in the western region of the state that includes oil and fracking activity. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

US Geological Survey He said the quake had a magnitude of 5.4 and struck at 5:35 pm local time. It was centered about 14 miles (22 km) northwest of Midland, with a depth of about 5.6 miles (9 km).

The agency had previously issued an initial strength of 5.3 before its update. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service office in Midland tweeted that it “will be the fourth most powerful earthquake in Texas history!”

According to early reports the agency received, more than 1,500 people felt the quake a great distance from Amarillo and Abilene in Texas to as far west as Carlsbad, N.Y. Mexico.

“It’s a big earthquake for that region,” Pursley said, adding, “In that region, such an event would be felt for hundreds of miles.”

The quake was soon followed by a less intense aftershock, and Pursley said there could be more to come as its strength decreases.

She added, “I have not received any information about the damage, but it could break plaster or walkways near the epicenter.”

An earthquake of similar magnitude hit West Texas a month ago. The November 16 earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 5.3 and was centered about 95 miles (153 kilometers) west of Midland.

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