Scurry County in West Texas has experienced more than 90 earthquakes in just the past week, and experts say the source of the quakes is near the county seat of Snyder, Texas.
Jay Callaway, the emergency management coordinator for the city of Snyder and Scurry County, said in an interview with KERA News that most residents in the area are going about their normal routines, but added that “People are on edge a little bit as to what is going to come next.”
The largest earthquake reported was 5.1, and four earthquakes of 4.0 magnitude were also recorded.
County authorities have declared a State of Disaster and have advised residents to remain vigilant and follow all instructions provided by local authorities, per a statement from the City of Snyder Office of Emergency Management.
“Declaring this disaster for our city and county does not mean we anticipate a larger earthquake. This action is simply setting certain pieces into motion in the event additional resources are needed and to keep citizens informed and safe,” the statement noted.
The declaration will allow the city and county to access state and federal resources and support if needed.
Callaway said there had been some property damage as a result of the tremors.
“It varies all over. What we’re seeing the most is cracks in the walls and the ceilings. We have had one water line breakage in Snyder from it, happened Monday night, the 22nd, from the first earthquake. Luckily, our city utility crews was able to get that water repaired and get folks back in water.”
“Separation of the brick around windows and doorframes. There are a few foundation cracks, multiple areas. And it’s varying in significance,” Callaway said, per KERA.
The earthquakes have been attributed to natural and human activities, such as water flooding, which is used to extract oil and gas from the ground, KTXS12 reported. However, the news outlet cited United States Geological Survey experts who say the depth of the earthquakes in Scurry County indicates they are more likely related to natural causes.