Earthquake Strikes Midland, Texas: Residents Report Widespread Shaking
Magnitude-5.1 Earthquake Hits Midland
A rare strong earthquake struck near Midland, Texas, on Monday evening, triggering more than 1,000 reports of shaking, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The temblor, initially measured at magnitude 5.1, struck at 7:49 p.m. at a depth of about 5 miles below the surface, around 21 miles west-southwest of Ackerly.
No Initial Injuries Reported
Fortunately, no injuries were initially reported in the aftermath of the earthquake. The USGS received over 1,400 reports of shaking from people across the region. Some residents as far away as Fort Worth — 282 miles east — and Austin — 322 miles southeast — felt the quake.
Geological Context
The USGS stated that earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains tend to be felt over longer distances and can cause more damage, even with similar magnitude ratings. Locals should remain vigilant as seismic activity can vary.
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