In the early hours of Wednesday, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck western Texas, causing tremors that could be felt as far as 200 miles away. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake originated about 30 miles west of Mentone, Texas, and had a depth of approximately 4.59 miles. The impact of the earthquake was felt strongly in the immediate vicinity, with some residents rudely awakened by the unexpected tremor.

🚨#BREAKING: A rare magnitude 5.2 earthquake shakes parts of Texas

📌#Mentone | #Texas

A rare magnitude 5.2 earthquake just struck near Mentone, Texas, moments ago, with multiple people reporting being awakened by the shaking. The quake, originating near Mentone, Texas, is… pic.twitter.com/kENTTHvG3F

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 8, 2023

Mirror reported that one local resident in nearby Carlsbad described the experience as the entire hotel shaking for a good two minutes. The earthquake reached Santa Teresa in New Mexico, about 200 miles away from its origin. Although the earthquake occurred in the predawn hours, there have been no reports of injuries or significant structural damage so far. However, more than 400 people reported feeling the earthquake, not only in Texas but also in New Mexico and Mexico. Multiple aftershocks followed the initial quake, with some registering magnitudes greater than 3.

Texas and its surrounding areas are not typically known for experiencing earthquakes of this magnitude. The National Weather Service in El Paso stated that tremors were felt even in Santa Teresa, which is quite uncommon given its distance from the epicenter. The Loving County Sheriff’s Office has been contacted for additional information on the event. According to Michigan Technological University, earthquakes measuring between 2.5 to 5.4 are often felt but only cause minor damage. Nevertheless, it is important to be prepared for such events.

The Department of Homeland Security advises individuals to protect themselves by following certain guidelines. If in a car during an earthquake, it is recommended to pull over, stop, and set the parking brake. If in bed, experts suggest turning face-down and covering the head with a pillow. When outdoors, it is best to stay away from buildings and avoid going inside. If already indoors, it is important to stay and not run outdoors, away from doorways. The best way to protect oneself during an earthquake is to drop, cover, and hold on. This means dropping down to your hands and knees, and holding onto something sturdy.

Experts also advise covering the head and neck with arms and crawling under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, individuals should crawl to an interior wall away from windows and hold on to something sturdy. Furthermore, officials warn of potential hazards after an earthquake, such as building damage, leaking gas and water lines, and downed power lines. They also state that aftershocks may follow the main shock of an earthquake, so it is crucial to be ready to drop, cover, and hold on if an aftershock is felt.