Minor M 3.0 Earthquake Recorded 57 km South of Whites City, New Mexico
A minor 3.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded early Thursday morning approximately 57 kilometers south of Whites City, New Mexico, at a shallow depth of 5.9 kilometers.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 (ml) occurred on March 19, 2026, at 06:46 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 57 kilometers south of Whites City, New Mexico, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 31.66°N and 104.403°W. The event occurred at a depth of 5.9 kilometers. This is considered a shallow earthquake; seismic events at depths of less than 20 kilometers are typically more noticeable to those on the surface than deeper events of the same magnitude.
Impact Assessment
There are currently no felt reports associated with this event in the USGS database. No tsunami advisories, watches, or warnings have been issued. Based on the magnitude of 3.0, this event is classified as a minor earthquake. Such events are routine geological occurrences and rarely cause damage to structures.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes in the M 2.5 to M 3.9 range are common and often go unnoticed by the public, though they are easily captured by sensitive seismic equipment. While aftershocks are a possibility following any seismic activity, they are generally smaller than the main event. Residents are reminded that the standard safety response during shaking is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice