A magnitude 3.4 earthquake struck near Silver Springs in Lyon County, Nevada, on Tuesday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 9:04 p.m. and was centered about 12 miles southeast of Silver Springs at a depth of 4 miles. It was initially reported as a 3.2 magnitude event before being upgraded to 3.4.
The USGS said it had received 15 felt reports online from people who experienced weak shaking. Reports came from several communities, including Carson City, Fernley, Fallon and Silver Springs, indicating the tremor was noticed across a broad part of western Nevada.
In the week leading up to this quake, 22 tremors of magnitude 2.5 or higher were recorded in the region. The largest was a magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck the same area on May 1.
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of an earthquake, replacing the older Richter scale, according to the USGS. Earthquakes between magnitude 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt by people but rarely cause significant damage. Quakes below magnitude 2.5 are usually not felt by most people.
Earthquakes can create a range of hazards, including fires, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches. They can occur anywhere, though they are most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Worldwide, an estimated 500,000 earthquakes are detectable each year, about 100,000 are felt, and around 100 cause damage.
Officials advise people to respond immediately if an earthquake begins. If indoors, stay where you are and avoid running outside. Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under sturdy furniture if possible, and hold on until the shaking stops. If no table or desk is nearby, move to an interior wall away from windows and falling objects. If you are in a car, pull over and stop. If you are in bed, stay there and protect your head with a pillow. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings and remain outside.
Authorities also warn that aftershocks may follow the main quake and that damaged buildings, gas leaks, water line breaks and downed power lines can pose additional dangers after the shaking ends.
