Texans were rattled by a “notable” 5.1 magnitude earthquake—one of the strongest in the state’s history—on Monday evening, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
The quake struck in Martin County, about 21 miles southwest of Ackerly shortly before 7:50 p.m.
It was initially graded 4.8 on the magnitude scale, with a depth of 3 miles, according to Texas channel KXAS, but was later upgraded to a 5.1 quake with a depth of 5.2 miles. Lamesa residents said their homes were shaking for up to 10 seconds.
The earthquake was the seventh strongest in Texas history, local newspaper Lubbock Avalanche Journal reported. Newsweek has reached out to the USGS seeking confirmation on where the quake stands in relation to others hitting the state.
The biggest quake ever recorded in the state measured 5.8 magnitude when it struck near Valentine in August 1931. The second largest, measuring 5.7, struck near Marathon in April 1995, ahead of a quake of 5.4 magnitude near Mentone in November 2022.
“Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.1 – 34 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas,” the USGS posted on social media site X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night. Several X users replied to the post saying the quake had felt stronger than usual.
“Felt it in San Angelo Tx,” one wrote. “Biggest one I’ve felt.” Another added: “Friend felt in Schertz TX. Knocked candles off of shelves.”
The magnitude scale is a useful measurement used to explain the severity of quakes. Light earthquakes—with a magnitude of 2.5 to 5.4—are often felt, but rarely cause damage. While 5.5 to 6 magnitude quakes are considered moderate and may result in slight damage to buildings.
Earthquakes of 6.1 to 6.9 are likely to cause major damage in highly populated areas, while an earthquake of an 8 magnitude or higher can totally destroy communities near its epicenter.
The devastating earthquake in Turkey last February, which killed hundreds of people and decimated communities near the Syrian border, was a 7.8 magnitude.
