An earthquake about 55 miles north of the Moapa Valley communities shook local homes and businesses at around 11:47 a.m. this morning, Friday May 22.
According to the United States Geological Survey website, the quake was centered about 24 miles southwest of Caliente, registering a magnitude of 5.4.
The center of the quake was at a depth of about 12 miles, which makes it a relatively shallow earthquake. According to USGS, deeper quakes are less noticeable while a shallow quake – in the 0-40 mile range- can feel stronger on the surface than the actual reported magnitude.
The quake was felt strongly in Moapa Valley where residents reported a rolling motion that shook their homes. No serious damage to homes or other structures were reported.
No power outages were reported and Overton Power District General Manager Mendis Cooper said that the power system was unaffected.
Moapa Valley Water District crews this afternoon did a full evaluation of the system on Friday afternoon and found no problems caused by the earthquake, according to MVWD General Manager Joe Davis.
