Did You Feel It? Strong 5.1 Earthquake Felt Near Austin

What Happened

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 struck near Austin, Texas, at 6:27 a.m. CST on Friday, July 14, 2023. The epicenter was located about 10 miles west of the city, in the town of West Lake Hills. The earthquake was felt across a wide area of central Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, and Waco.

Damage and Casualties

There have been no reports of any major damage or injuries. However, some buildings in Austin and surrounding areas have been evacuated as a precaution. The West Lake Hills Police Department is asking residents to stay out of the area until further notice.

Aftershocks

There have been several aftershocks since the initial earthquake. The largest aftershock so far had a magnitude of 3.0 and occurred at 7:05 a.m. CST. Scientists expect that there will be more aftershocks in the coming days or weeks.

Advice for Residents

The West Lake Hills Police Department is advising residents to stay calm and follow these safety tips:

• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• Check for gas leaks.
• Be aware of aftershocks.
• Follow the instructions of local officials

More Information

For more information about the earthquake, please visit the website of the United States Geological Survey (USGS): https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000ib6p/executive