SCURRY COUNTY, Texas — On July 26, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake rattled Hermleigh, Texas and nearby areas just days after it was hit by a 4.9 magnitude earthquake.
The United States Geological Survey shows that the two natural disasters have made it to the list of the top 10 largest earthquakes in Texas history.
Scurry County has been struck by nearly 85 earthquakes since July 22, according to Jay Callaway, the City of Snyder emergency coordinator.
"The damage is reported in multiple areas of the county and it varies in significance from just a crack above a door or window to ceilings, cracking around mortar joints and brick homes, to foundations," said Callaway.
Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks issued a Disaster Declaration on July 26 where part of it wrote,"...damage has been found throughout Scurry County and the surrounding area." The county is working closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to monitor the damages. As of July 29, more than 50 storm damage reports have been filed by residents.
This is the first time the county has declared a state of disaster due to an earthquake.
"It allows us to be better prepared for the community mobilization of resources if needed," Callaway said. "It's all just being proactive in the event we need it.... The declaration of disaster is just a proactive step in case we need any additional resources or anything from the state. It's just setting peace into motion in the event of additional resources being needed to help the citizens."
No deaths or injuries have been reported in Scurry County following the recent earthquakes, according to Callaway.