4.7-magnitude earthquake reported near Falls City, strongest of several this month

KARNES COUNTY, Texas – A 4.7-magnitude earthquake was reported near Falls City on Saturday morning — the strongest and latest of several earthquakes this month, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

USGS said the earthquake happened just after 12:30 a.m. about three kilometers southeast of the city, which is located in Karnes County. Its depth was 6.8 kilometers, or 4.2 miles.

The earthquake was felt as far as 40-60 miles away, around San Antonio. Viewers from as far south as Karnes County and as far north as New Braunfels told KSAT they felt the temblor after midnight.

As of Saturday morning, information on damage or injuries is unknown. But damage and injuries are unexpected because a 4.7 magnitude earthquake is not necessarily strong. Here’s a look at how earthquakes are classified, according to the Richter Scale:

This is just the latest of a series of earthquakes near Falls City this month. Previously, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake and a 3.5 magnitude earthquake were reported on Feb. 7th and 8th, respectively.

Three smaller earthquakes also shook ground in Karnes County on Monday. According to the USGS, the strongest of the three quakes checked in with a magnitude of 3.9.

Saturday morning’s example of an earthquake to shake portions of Karnes County, and area earthquakes are becoming more common.

On Jun. 15, 2019, the USGS reported a 3.6-magnitude tremor near Poth and Falls City.

Last summer, two small earthquakes shook 11 miles east of Jourdanton in neighboring Atascosa County.

Last September, four earthquakes hit Karnes County over the course of a week.

In the video below, watch as KSAT meteorologist Justin Horne explains the increase in earthquakes in South Texas.

More earthquake coverage this week on KSAT: