Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake Rattles West Texas, Felt Across Border
Culberson County, Texas – A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck West Texas on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 7:47 p.m. MT, sending tremors through communities in Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. The epicenter was located in Culberson County, approximately 125 miles east of El Paso, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 4.7 miles, amplifying its reach and intensity across the region. Mexico’s National Seismological Service reported a higher magnitude of 5.8, reflecting slight variations in seismic measurements.
Widespread Shaking Felt Across Borders
The earthquake’s effects were felt across a broad area, with reports of shaking in El Paso, Texas; Ciudad Juárez, Mexico; parts of southern New Mexico; and as far south as Chihuahua, Mexico. Nearly 1,500 individuals submitted responses to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” report, describing sensations ranging from light trembling to moderate shaking. Social media posts on X captured local reactions, with some users describing objects falling off shelves and others reporting a startling but brief jolt. One unverified post on X mentioned a gas pipeline rupture in the area, though no official confirmation from authorities has been issued as of this writing.
No immediate reports of significant structural damage or injuries surfaced, but local authorities in Culberson County and El Paso were assessing infrastructure and utilities for potential impacts. The shallow depth of the quake likely contributed to its wide-felt reach, though West Texas’s sparse population in the epicentral region may have limited the potential for widespread harm.
Part of an Ongoing Earthquake Swarm
Saturday’s quake is the latest in a series of seismic events in West Texas, which has seen heightened earthquake activity in recent years. The USGS noted that this event was part of a swarm of 46 earthquakes in the region since early April 2025, most of which registered below magnitude 3.0. The 5.4-magnitude event stands as the strongest in this sequence to date. Scientists estimate a 65% probability of at least one aftershock of magnitude 3.0 or higher within the next week, with a smaller chance of a stronger quake approaching Saturday’s intensity.
The USGS ShakeMap indicated that the strongest shaking occurred near the epicenter in Culberson County, with intensities reaching level V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale—strong enough to cause minor damage like cracked plaster or broken windows. In El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, shaking was generally reported at level III to IV, described as light to moderate.
Link to Oil and Gas Activity
West Texas, particularly the Permian Basin, has experienced a surge in earthquakes over the past decade, a trend scientists attribute to oil and gas extraction activities. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and the underground injection of wastewater—byproducts of oil production—have been linked to induced seismicity in the region. The Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry, has faced increasing scrutiny over its oversight of injection wells, especially following significant quakes like the 5.2-magnitude event near Mentone in 2020 and a 5.4-magnitude quake in November 2022.
Seismologists explain that injecting large volumes of wastewater into deep wells can increase pressure along fault lines, triggering earthquakes. The Permian Basin, one of the world’s most productive oil fields, hosts thousands of such wells, contributing to the region’s seismic unrest. Saturday’s quake occurred in an area known for active fault systems, further primed by industrial activity.
Community and Official Response
Local emergency management officials in Culberson County and El Paso urged residents to report any damage and to prepare for potential aftershocks. “We’re monitoring the situation closely and working with state and federal partners to ensure public safety,” said a spokesperson for the El Paso Office of Emergency Management. Residents were advised to secure heavy objects, identify safe spots in their homes, and keep emergency kits ready.
In Ciudad Juárez, authorities conducted preliminary inspections of public buildings and infrastructure, with no major issues reported by late Saturday. The cross-border impact of the quake underscored the interconnectedness of the region, prompting coordination between U.S. and Mexican officials.
What’s Next?
The USGS and the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology continue to monitor the region for aftershocks and additional seismic activity. Researchers are also studying the fault systems in West Texas to better understand the interplay between natural tectonic processes and human-induced triggers. For now, the 5.4-magnitude quake serves as a reminder of the region’s growing seismic risk, particularly as oil and gas operations expand.
Residents in West Texas and beyond are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, including the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program and local emergency management agencies. While Saturday’s earthquake caused no major disruptions, its occurrence highlights the need for preparedness in a region unaccustomed to frequent seismic events.
For updates on this event or to report earthquake-related observations, visit the USGS website or follow local authorities on social media. If you experienced the quake and wish to contribute to scientific data collection, submit a report at the USGS “Did You Feel It?” portal.
This article is based on information available as of May 4, 2025, from the USGS, Mexico’s National Seismological Service, and public posts on X. Seismic data and impact assessments may be updated as more information becomes available.
