SACRAMENTO —Â
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck in a remote area of Nevada on Monday afternoon, sending shaking throughout Central California, including the Sacramento area.
Impact in Sacramento
In Sacramento, one person reported that the ornaments on their Christmas tree swayed, as did some blinds for less than a minute. Water sloshed in a swimming pool, another person said.
Impact in Davis
In Davis, a computer swayed for just a few seconds and a desk chair was jolted, while a young man reported feeling his bed sway and an unnerved poodle sought comfort.
Impact in Reno
In Reno, about 50 miles northwest of the quake’s epicenter, someone at KTVN-TV captured a video of the star on the newsroom’s Christmas tree still quivering — barely — as staffers scrambled to cover the earthquake. One person could be heard saying they hadn’t felt anything.
Intensity of the Quake
The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale defines the shaking in the desert where the epicenter was located as “very strong.” In contrast, the shaking was “light” in Carson City, about 40 miles away, and “weak” in Sacramento, which is some 140 miles to the southwest of the epicenter.
Wider Impact
People reported feeling the quake as far away as the San Francisco Bay Area and Fresno, about 200 and 170 miles away, respectively.
Nevada’s Earthquake Risk
Nevada is at risk of earthquakes. Seismologists have noted that there are at least 30 faults that could cause damage in the Reno-Carson City corridor, according to the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.
Potential Consequences
Should a magnitude 7.1 earthquake happen on the Genoa fault around that region, the number of fatalities could range from 30 to 120. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the Mt. Rose fault in that area could cause from 120 to 500 deaths. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake on the Frenchman Mountain fault could result in 80 to 300 deaths in Clark County, home to Las Vegas, according to state estimates.
Conclusion
The recent earthquake is a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and the potential consequences of such events. It is crucial for residents of Nevada and surrounding areas to be aware of the risks and take necessary steps to mitigate them.
FAQs
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
A: The magnitude of the earthquake was 5.5.
Q: Where did the earthquake strike?
A: The earthquake struck in a remote area of Nevada.
Q: How far away did people feel the quake?
A: People reported feeling the quake as far away as the San Francisco Bay Area and Fresno, about 200 and 170 miles away, respectively.
Q: Is Nevada at risk of earthquakes?
A: Yes, Nevada is at risk of earthquakes. Seismologists have noted that there are at least 30 faults that could cause damage in the Reno-Carson City corridor.
