Quake series stresses Reno-area residents

By Jeff DeLong, USA TODAY

RENO — Residents here are being shaken, literally, by an ongoing series of earthquakes, which experts warn could be a precursor to a major seismic event.
Since late February, hundreds of earthquakes have rattled parts of west Reno. The strongest quake — with a magnitude of 4.7 — hit shortly before midnight last Friday, cracking walls and breaking windows, according to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory.

More than 200 additional small quakes have followed, the lab reported, including two Monday evening and some small earthquakes Tuesday.

"My nerves are shot. I can't do it anymore," said Cindy Thomas of Mogul, a community west of Reno. She and husband Larry moved to a relative's house in the southern part of Reno, away from where the quakes have clustered. She plans to stay away "as long as it takes."

Scientists at the seismological laboratory — who met with Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons on Tuesday — say the Reno earthquake swarm is unusual.

That's because a primary earthquake usually is followed by aftershocks diminishing in strength. These quakes started out small and the general trend shows them building in strength.

A magnitude-6 quake hitting Reno "wouldn't be a scientific surprise," said John Anderson, the lab's director.

Any earthquake measuring above a magnitude of 6 is considered a strong earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Reno-area police and fire agencies have plans in place to respond to a major earthquake, and the state is ready to jump to the aid of Washoe County should one occur, said Gary Derks, operations officer for the Nevada Division of Emergency Management.

Aaron Kenneston, emergency manager for Washoe County, is encouraging residents to prepare for a serious quake by stocking up on food, batteries, flashlights, first-aid supplies and at least 1 gallon of water per family member.

Joe Bernardo spent last Friday night sweeping up broken glass inside his home, only to be jolted awake by another quake about 4:30 a.m. Monday.

"Sleep-deprived? Yeah, you could say that," said Bernardo, 63.

Sandy Jung and her husband are sleeping in a motor home for safety.

Previously a California resident, Jung said she's accustomed to earthquakes, and has experienced bigger ones than are occurring in Reno.

"But not swarms of them. Not day after day after day," Jung said. "It's getting very tiresome."

DeLong reports for the Reno (Nev.) Gazette-Journal