Recent Earthquakes Highlight Nevada’s Seismic Risks Near Reno and Las Vegas

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:57:00 +0200

Nevada has experienced a series of recent earthquakes that, while not causing major damage, underscore the state’s hidden seismic risks. On April 13, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck 45 miles east of Reno, shaking the small town of Silver Springs and dislodging items from shelves. Earlier, a magnitude 4.4 quake occurred north of Las Vegas, followed by a 5.2 magnitude quake east of Reno. These events highlight the many fault systems crisscrossing Nevada, including the Lake Tahoe Basin, where past major earthquakes have occurred. Experts warn that areas such as Las Vegas, surrounded by multiple faults like the Death Valley and Hurricane systems, remain vulnerable despite the lack of historic large-scale quakes. A major earthquake near Las Vegas could potentially cause billions in damages, particularly affecting older brick buildings and mobile homes. The Nevada Seismological Laboratory notes that earthquake early-warning systems, common in California, are not yet fully implemented in Ne