Update: Multiple earthquakes reported in south Reno

A swarm of at least 16 earthquakes, the largest being magnitude 4.4, rattled south Reno between 10 and 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Minor damage was reported.

The largest was reported at 10:46 p.m. about six miles south of Reno near Galena.

The initial event of the sequence was a magnitude 1.2 event at 10:18 p.m., followed by magnitude 3.2 (10:22 p.m.), 3.0 (10:36 p.m.) and 3.1 (10:45 p.m.) events prior to the magnitude 4.4. Another magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred at 11:05 p.m. These are the largest events of the sequence at this time.

As of 6:43 a.m. Wednesday, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory recorded a total of 32 events associated with this sequence of earthquakes.

The largest earthquakes and the magnitude 3 events were strongly felt in the south Reno area. There is a slight increase in the probability of a larger event (larger than the magnitude 4.4) during an ongoing sequence of earthquakes such as this one. The Nevada Seismological Laboratory continues to closely monitor the activity in south Reno.

“I like to remind everyone that it is always appropriate to make a plan for what to do during a disaster, in this case: secure your home before; drop, cover, hold on during; and assess damage after,” Aaron Kenneston, with Washoe County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program, said. “Assemble a kit with at least 72 hours of water, food, first aid supplies, flashlight and battery-powered radio in case of utility disruption, and stay informed about our earthquake risks.”

A score of Carson residents reported feeling the earthquake, while two Carson Valley residents sent in reports to the Did You Feel It web site.

The most distant response was from Elko, 388 miles from the epicenter.

Updated information for activity associated with this earthquake is available at http://www.seismo.unr.edu/Earthquake.

Nevada and eastern California regions have a history of large, damaging earthquakes, and citizens should always consider earthquake preparedness. Nevadans are encouraged to practice aspects of emergency plans and to “secure your space,” which includes retrofitting buildings to reduce damage and securing things within buildings to prevent injury. For more information on how to prepare for an earthquake, go to www.shakeout.org/nevada or www.readywashoe.com.