5.4 quake jolts oil-producing West Texas as locals blame 'fracking' for 4th strongest tremor in state
MIDLAND, TEXAS: A moderate earthquake occurred in Western Texas on Friday, December 16. The United States Geological Survey explained that the magnitude 5.4 quake occurred around 5.30 pm, was located 12.5 miles north-northwest of Midland and Odessa, and had a depth of 5.09 miles. It has already been called the fourth strongest earthquake in the state’s history by local meteorologists. The tremors were felt by residents in Roswell as well. This is the second time in two months that the state has been hit by a significant quake and people are blaming it on the ongoing Texas fracking.
A reporter in Odessa for CBS 7, Joshua Skinner, reported, "Big earthquake in Odessa, TX. Happened around 5:36 p.m. The whole news studio shook for a solid 10 seconds." As reported by USGS, "The earthquake occurred within the interior of the North America plate, far from any tectonic plate boundaries, and is therefore considered an intraplate earthquake." The statement further reads, "Since 2018 about 120 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 and larger have struck within 50 km of the recent quake. Larger earthquakes have struck in the broader area." No injuries were reported so far. The state was struck by a massive 5.4-magnitude quake only last month.
