Las Vegas, Nevada – A 3.3 magnitude earthquake shook the area around Nellis Air Force Base Thursday afternoon, briefly rattling buildings and startling personnel at the military installation northeast of Las Vegas.
According to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, the quake hit at 12:52 p.m. local time, centered just 24 kilometers east-northeast of Nellis AFB at a shallow depth of 3.2 kilometers. The low depth increased the intensity of surface shaking, which was light but noticeable around the base and nearby communities.
One report was submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Did You Feel It?” site, confirming mild tremors. No damage or injuries were reported, and operations at Nellis appear to be unaffected. However, the quake serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability—southern Nevada sits in a seismically active basin where minor quakes are not uncommon.
Residents and military personnel are advised to secure loose objects and review emergency protocols. While no aftershocks have been recorded, seismologists will continue monitoring for further activity.
The earthquake is one of the strongest to strike near a U.S. military installation in the Southwest this month.
