Texas Rattled by Double Earthquake Shock in 24 Hours, Experts Warn of Aftershocks

In a stunning turn of events, southern Texas was shaken by two earthquakes within a 24-hour period, raising concerns among residents and experts alike. The first quake, measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale, struck near Falls City, about 45 miles southwest of San Antonio, at 9:26 PM CT on Wednesday. This seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of 2.3 miles, registering as the third-strongest earthquake ever recorded in South Texas, following a 4.8 magnitude quake in 2011 and a 4.7 magnitude tremor earlier this year. The tremors did not stop there; just hours later, a smaller aftershock of 2.6 magnitude was detected at 1:17 AM Thursday, approximately 10.5 miles south-southeast of Stockdale. Fortunately, no damages or injuries have been reported from either quake, but the US Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated that the region may experience additional aftershocks, predicting a 36 percent chance for those reaching magnitude 3 or higher. The USGS 'Did You Feel It' system logged 679 reports from residents who experienced the Falls City quake. Reports of shaking came not only from the immediate vicinity but also from as far away as Whitney, Texas, nearly 200 miles north. Personal accounts shared on social media described the event as startling, with one local noting it sounded like “someone slammed [their] back door,” while another mentioned being jolted awake as their lamp swayed during the shaking. Geologically speaking, earthquakes such as these are typically triggered by the movements of tectonic plates—massive slabs of rock that make up the Earth's surface. Although Texas is not situated on the geologically active boundaries of these plates, certain areas, including southern Texas, are prone to seismic activity due to underlying fault lines. Research indicates that recent increases in earthquake frequency in the state may be linked to human activities, particularly oil and gas extraction processes like fracking. While it remains unconfirmed whether the Falls City earthquake was related to fracking, its location in the Eagle Ford Shale area—one of the most prolific oil and gas production zones in the country—raises questions. The extraction process itself is not usually the direct cause of earthquakes; rather, it is the disposal of wastewater produced during these operations that can induce seismic events. Wastewater is often injected into underground wells, and this practice has been associated with increased seismicity in regions where fracking occurs. Experts, including USGS research geophysicist Justin Rubinstein, have noted a strong correlation between Texas earthquakes and local oil fields, with a significant portion of seismic activity since 2020 linked to oil and gas extraction. A study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that 68 percent of quakes above magnitude 1.5 were "highly associated" with such activities. However, Falls City is also situated near two known fault lines, the Luling and Balcones, which could also be responsible for the recent tremors. As Texas continues to grapple with the implications of increased seismic activity, residents remain vigilant while experts analyze the potential causes. With the state's long history of earthquakes—over 3,700 since 1900, though the majority are small—this recent surge serves as a reminder of the forces at play beneath the surface and the ongoing debates surrounding energy practices and geological stability.