Strong and shallow M6.5 earthquake hits Nevada, aftershocks reported, U.S.

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit SW Nevada, near the border with California, at 11:03 UTC (04:03 LT) on May 15, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 7 km (4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 32 km (20 miles) SE of Mina (population 155) and 181 km (112 miles) ESE of Garnerville Ranchos (population 11 312), Nevada.

There are about 16 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

45 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

The quake was followed by M4.0 at 11:03 UTC, M4.4 at 11:12, M4.9 at 11:18, M5.4 at 11:25, M5.4 at 11:26, M4.3 at 11:30, M3.4 at 11:40, M3.7 at 11:45, M3.1 at 11:47, M4.7 at 11:52, M3.1 at 11:57, M4.5 at 12:00, M2.8 at 12:03, M3.4 at 12:10, M3.1 at 12:12 and M3.0 at 12:13. Data provided by USGS, valid 12:33 UTC.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and reinforced masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google