Thu. Sep 28th, 2023

A SOUTHERN TEXAS EARTHQUAKE FELT IN PARTS OF NEW MEXICO

The U.S. Geological Survey has reported a 5.3 magnitude earthquake just south of the New Mexico state line near Mentone, Texas on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents in Roswell, which is 150 miles north reported feeling the quake. US Geological survey data shows the earthquake was felt in Alamogordo, Clovis, Roswell, Carlsbad, and Hobbs. The earthquake was also felt in rural portions of Chaves, Lea, Otero, and Eddy counties.

The epicenter was northwest of Pecos, Texas, about 170 miles east of El Paso, the National Weather Service in El Paso tweeted. The earthquake occurred around 3:30 p.m. local time.

The USGS says the 5.3 magnitude earthquake was measured at a depth of 8.3 kilometers from the surface. Two aftershocks between 3.0 and 3.8 magnitude were reported at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. This is the second earthquake to be felt in New Mexico in recent weeks. On Oct. 26, the USGS reported a magnitude 3.0 earthquake in Otero County.

Anthony Franze, chief meteorologist for News West 9 in Texas, said the earthquake was the strongest to strike Texas since 1995 and is the state’s third strongest earthquake ever.

The USGS reported some light damage in the area of western Texas.

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