Texans were struck by a powerful 5.1 magnitude earthquake on Monday evening, making it one of the strongest quakes ever recorded in the state, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake originated in Martin County, approximately 21 miles southwest of Ackerly, and occurred shortly before 7:50 p.m. Initially measured at 4.8 magnitude with a depth of 3 miles, the earthquake was later upgraded to a 5.1 magnitude with a depth of 5.2 miles, as reported by Texas channel KXAS.

Residents of Lamesa reported experiencing up to 10 seconds of intense shaking, leaving many homes unsettled. The quake, which shook their community on Monday, ranks as the seventh strongest in Texas history, as noted by the local newspaper Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Newsweek reached out to the USGS to determine how this earthquake compares to previous ones in the state.

The most significant earthquake recorded in Texas history measured 5.8 magnitude and struck near Valentine in August 1931. The second largest, with a magnitude of 5.7, occurred near Marathon in April 1995, followed by a 5.4 magnitude quake near Mentone in November 2022.

The USGS posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with a notice of the "notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.1 - 34 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas." Several X users responded to the post, mentioning that the earthquake felt stronger than usual in their respective locations. Reports came in from various areas, including San Angelo and Schertz, Texas.

No reports of damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake have been received thus far. Newsweek has reached out to the office of Governor Greg Abbott via email for further information and comment.

Experts have observed an uptick in the frequency of earthquakes in recent years in Texas, which some attribute to fracking. Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist, explained that increased pressure near fault lines, induced by human activities such as oil extraction, can trigger earthquakes. The Permian Basin oil field, extending across Texas and New Mexico, has witnessed a significant number of quakes that are likely connected to this activity.

Dr. Jones emphasized that these seismic events are not a long-term pattern, but rather a consequence of increased fluid pressure from oil extraction. The construction of dams and other human activities can also contribute to the occurrence of earthquakes, she added.

While earthquakes are more commonly associated with states like California and Alaska due to their geographical location, unexpected tremors have occasionally struck areas of the Midwest as well. In November, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake shook Standard, Illinois.

As investigations continue into the recent Texas earthquake, researchers and authorities aim to understand the underlying causes and mitigate any potential risks associated with increased seismic activity in the region.