SCURRY COUNTY, TX — Howard County residents reported feeling an earthquake this morning. The U.S. Geological Survey website showed that a 5.1 magnitude earthquake was reported 17 kilometers, or approximately 11 miles, northeast of Hermleigh in Scurry County at 9:28 AM this morning.
According to Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks, 61 earthquakes have been registered for the county within the last 7 days. He stated that they range from 1.0 to 5.1 in magnitudes. He noted that not all had been felt, but those at 4.4 magnitude were noticeable.
Jay Callaway, Emergency Management Coordinator, told KBest News there has been property damage reported this week due to the recent earthquakes but there have been no injuries. Most of the damage reported has been consistent – wall cracking, roof cracking, bricks pulled away from homes. The city experienced a water line breakage on Monday night due to the 4.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred. This impacted a block of residences in the middle of the night and water was restored early on Tuesday morning.
Judge Hicks told KBest News that the declaration of disaster was made in response to the damage that has been reported and as a preventative measure.
“We want to be prepared in case any additional earthquakes come in. There’s a certain threshold that has to be met with the state to receive assistance. If we don’t get input from the local community on what their damage is, we won’t meet the threshold. We want to be able to get help to the citizens to Scurry County as quick as we can, if they need it,” said Hicks.
Anyone who has earthquake damage is urged to visit website below and complete the iSTAT form. English and Spanish versions are available.
English:
Spanish:
Comments