Residents of West Texas were awakened early yesterday by a 3.5 magnitude earthquake near Toytah, Texas. The tremors occurred just after 6 a.m.

According to the My San Antonio report, the USGS confirmed a recent quake's magnitude in Texas, raising concerns about the area's earthquake frequency and intensity. An X user noted, "Another small earthquake at this spot in Texas to the south of Carlsbad Caverns. I know this area is pocked with wells, but when I look at these quakes? I am seeing sections of ground that is falling and crashing down. In some areas, I see more cracks forming…”

This event arrives on the heels of a 5.1-magnitude earthquake last month, which sent shockwaves through areas even as far as the greater Austin-San Antonio area. Justin Rubinstein, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, shared with My San Antonio, "The earthquakes have also gotten larger."

Research suggests a link between human activity and the increased rate of these natural events, especially within areas like the Eagle Ford Shale. Since 2018, experts have observed a significant uptick in earthquake frequency in this region extending from La Grange to the Mexican border. Rubinstein discussed these developments and the concerning trend with MSN, reinforcing the connection to human endeavors such as drilling. “The earthquake rate in the broader Eagle Ford Shale, which stretches from approximately La Grange southwest all the way to the border with Mexico, has risen significantly since 2018,” Rubinstein noted.