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Cynthia Vega reports

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CLEBURNE -- Before last week there had never been an earthquake in Cleburne. In the past six days the Johnson County town has been shaken by three earthquakes.

Now, some city leaders say they wonder if the recent drilling of natural gas from the Barnett Shale could be a cause for the suddenly increase in shifting and shaking.

Scientists tell them that the drilling and quakes are not related. Because the drilling in and around Cleburne happens about 5,000 to 6,000 feet deep and the quake occurred at 17,000 to 18,000 feet deep, scientists say there is not a connection.

"From the information that we're getting from the scientific community there is no reason to be alarmed or concerned," said Cleburne City Manager Chester Nolen.

The city is putting together an emergency preparedness plan in case there are any future tremors.

"If anything does happen we'll certainly be prepared for it," Mayor Ted Reynolds said.

The latest quake, a 2.3 magnitude, occurred at 8:02 Monday morning, centered in Cleburne in the same location as a stronger quake last Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

WFAA-TV

Residents reported hearing a clap of thunder, despite blue skies. City spokesman Charlie Hodges says that after the sound, residents reported hearing a low rumble for about two seconds, then nothing. He says no damage nor injuries were reported.

"It sort of felt like my stomach had dropped and the hair on my," said resident Kathryn Miller. "It just was unsettling."

A 2.6 magnitude earthquake rattled the Johnson County city at 5:56 Sunday evening. The epicenter of that quake was about 18 miles east of Cleburne near the town of Covington.

The June 6 quake registered 2.8 and struck in the center of Cleburne, but none of the tremors are reported to have caused any damage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.