Small earthquake rattles Las Vegas

Monday, Dec. 14, 1998 | 5:14 a.m.

As unusual as it sounds, a magnitude-2.7 earthquake shook northwest Las Vegas about 1:41 p.m. Monday, the Las Vegas Fire Department reported.

It was followed by an aftershock measuring 1.5.

There were no reports of injury or damage, but the fire department fielded many calls from concerned citizens who felt the earthquake and had a picture or two move on the wall.

"This is a minor earthquake, but does point out that there may be earthquake hazards in Las Vegas," said Bob Cullins, emergency management coordinator for the fire department.

The earthquake occurred just west of where seismologists have mapped known faults.

Cullins said he couldn't remember the last time an earthquake shook Las Vegas.

"It's very unusual," he said.

Cullins said he will request additional scientific research "to define to what extent there is a hazard here."

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