The shallow quake was widely felt in the Texas Panhandle region, but federal estimates suggest serious impacts are unlikely<\/p>\n
U.S. Geological Survey (AP)<\/p>\n
MIAMI, Texas \u2013 A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Thursday in the Texas Panhandle\u2014about 23 miles northwest of Miami\u2014according to the U.S. Geological Survey<\/a>. Because it was shallow, people near the area were more likely to feel it as shaking or rattling.<\/p>\n According to USGS data, the M5.0 earthquake is the strongest earthquake to hit the Panhandle since 1900.<\/p>\n So far, the information shared by the USGS points to limited impact. The agency\u2019s automated impact estimate (called PAGER) issued a green alert, which the USGS says means serious damage and injuries are unlikely. The USGS estimate also shows about a 90% chance of no significant economic losses.<\/p>\n The USGS says aftershocks\u2014smaller quakes that can follow\u2014are possible over the next week. Its forecast says there\u2019s a 2% chance of at least one aftershock as strong as magnitude 5 or higher, which can be damaging, but the USGS describes that as a low probability. The agency also says smaller aftershocks could happen, including some large enough to be felt nearby.<\/p>\n The USGS notes its aftershock forecast can change as new data comes in.<\/p>\n Start Here, Houston<\/p>\n More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n