5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes West Texas Communities

EL PASO, Texas — A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck a remote area of west Texas on Saturday at 7:47 p.m. MT, shaking communities as far as El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s epicenter was in Culberson County, approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) east of El Paso. While the USGS provided a preliminary magnitude of 5.3, Mexico‘s seismological agency measured it slightly higher, at 5.8.

No immediate reports of injuries or significant damage have been confirmed. Residents across Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico reported feeling the tremors, with some experiencing strong shaking.

Phyllis Favila, an El Paso resident, described her experience, saying, “The house was shaking and chairs were moving, along with swaying light fixtures.”

Another resident, Chandra Chapman, noted that her dogs reacted with confusion, barking during the shaking. Reports of the quake reached emergency services shortly after it occurred, with residents encouraged to share their experiences.

The quake follows a pattern typical for the area, which has experienced several notable quakes over the years. Despite the lack of damage reports, authorities continue to monitor for aftershocks, as historical data indicates that such seismic events may follow larger tremors like this one.

This earthquake marks the latest development in ongoing seismic activity in the region, prompting residents to stay alert to any subsequent tremors.