The City of Minco sees dozens of earthquakes in the span of one week

MINCO, Okla. (KFOR) – The United States Geological Survey has recorded 30 earthquakes of magnitude one or larger in the Minco area since last week.

The largest earthquake happened last Thursday, measuring at a magnitude of 2.8 and leaving some residents still shaken up.

“My wife said something hit the house. So I got up, looked around. Nothing out in the front or the backyard. I thought the dust mill had blown or fell over," said Minco resident Anthony Yazzie. "So, I went to the back yard, checked it out, but it wasn’t that. Instantly, I knew it was an earthquake.”

One resident told News 4 that he believes the frequent earthquakes have caused cracks in the bricks of his home.

Yazzie says the Thursday earthquake could be felt in the next city over.

"My wife's daughter called from her school and asked us did we feel the earthquake? And I was like, Yeah. So I guess here and Union City felt it," said Yazzie.

The USGS says the earthquake rate in the Minco area has been elevated since 2015.

Justin Rubinstein with the USGS said that since 2020, they've seen multiple bursts of seismicity in the area with this many or more earthquakes.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) told us there was a well nearing completion in the area, and as of Thursday, all operations were ceased.

The OCC said in a statement:

The Oil and Gas Conservation Division Induced Seismicity Department (OGCD ISD) is aware and monitoring the recent earthquake activity occurring in Canadian and Grady Counties. The operator is fully cooperating with OGCD ISD and adhering to its established protocols, including obtaining approval of revised fracking pressures and timelines designed to mitigate the risk of tremors and avoid disruption for area residents.

Oklahoma Corporation Commission

The OCC is encouraging all residents to report any structural damage so personnel are better able to modify protocols and guidance for oil and gas operators.