4.5 magnitude quake strikes nearby
The United States Geological Service has issued information on its website, earthquake. usgs.gov, regarding a 4.5 magnitude earthquake north of Stanton Monday evening.
According to the report, the earthquake struck at about 7:55 p.m. Monday approximately 18 kilometers – about 11.2 miles – north of Stanton. The quake was about 27 km or 17 miles west of Big Spring. The website notes that the earthquake's epicenter was located about 7.8 km (about 4.8 miles) below the surface of the earth.
The website indicates that 245 people have submitted “Felt Reports” indicating that they felt the earthquake, along with data about their experience. Reports originate from as far away as Carlsbad, N.M., east of Abilene, and San Angelo. While no reports are given on the site, other sources indicate the earthquake was felt north as far as Lubbock. More than 1.3 million people live in the area in which people reported feeling the quake.
Since Dec. 7, the website reports,
West Texas and eastern New Mexico have felt 57 earthquakes. Monday's quake, it reports, is the second strongest in the area in the last 10 years, edging out a 4.4 magnitude earthquake felt Dec. 16 north of Toyah.
Big Spring Mayor Shannon Thomason posted on the Facebook group “Big Spring Rants & Raves” regarding the earthquake:
“DON'T PANIC! We've had an earthquake,” he posted. “No reports of injuries or damage. USGS reporting 4.3 magnitude.” The early estimate quoted by the mayor was later upgraded to 4.5 magnitude.
Thomason spoke about the earthquake Tuesday, saying that he certainly felt the quake.
“Oh, definitely. It rattled the windows here at the house for a good 30 to 45 seconds,” he said. “Everything I've read from USGS indicates it was deep level quake. No damage reported, no injuries reported, but a lot of people shaken up. That's why I took
Map courtesy U.S. Geological Survey