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USGS alert sent for Nevada earthquake that did not happen

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An alert sent Thursday warning of a strong earthquake in northern Nevada was issued in error, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

At 08:06 local time, the USGS reported a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Carson City, the state capital. The alert reached people about 200 miles away in the San Francisco Bay Area, triggering automated warnings advising residents to shelter in place.

However, the agency canceled the alert minutes later and removed the related entry from its website.

“No M5.9 earthquake struck near Carson City, NV,” USGS said on X.

The USGS said the alert originated from its automated earthquake detection system, which generated the report in error. It said it is believed to be the first time the agency has issued a completely inaccurate earthquake notification.

An investigation is underway to find out what caused the malfunction.

Several law enforcement agencies in cities and counties near the epicenter of the reported earthquake confirmed the absence of any ground activity.

According to the Michigan Tech Earthquake Magnitude Scale, an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 is typically strong enough to cause noticeable shaking and minor property damage.



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