Magnitude 3.6 earthquake rattles South Texas, shaking felt in Falls City
The quake was felt in Falls City and other places in Karnes and Wilson counties.
Why earthquakes are felt differently in the US
While you may think quakes are a western US problem, some of the largest temblors in US history have happened in the East.
FALLS CITY, Texas — A magnitude 3.6 earthquake shook part of South Texas Tuesday morning, with an epicenter about 45 miles north-northwest of San Antonio, according to the USGS.
It happened just before 9:30 a.m. local time and struck just 5.3 miles below the surface.
The quake was felt in Falls City and other places in Karnes and Wilson counties. There were no immediate reports of any damage.
An aerial view of San Antonio’s River Walk lined with trees, surrounded by modern and historic buildings. The downtown skyline includes the Tower Life Building and other high-rises. A red-roofed riverfront building stands out among the greenery. No people are visible. (Alex Potemkin / Getty Images)
The area is no stranger to seismic activity. Most of the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains has earthquakes, but they are infrequent, according to the USGS.
There is no major tectonic fault line nearby, but the area experiences frequent minor earthquakes linked to regional oil and gas activity, like wastewater disposal and fracking.
SOUTH TEXAS SHAKEN BY 27 EARTHQUAKES IN FEBRUARY ALONE
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake happened in the same area in February 2024. It was one of many magnitude 2.5 or higher quakes that have been reported over the last few years.