KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Elko County

6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Elko County

UPDATED: 2:56pm

More than 12 aftershocks have hit the area since the initial 6:16am earthquake.

Wells' residents are urged to stay out of unstable structures.

A mandatory boil order is in effect.

Overnight shelters are being set up at the elementary school. 25-30 residents can't go home because of damage. "We think every resident with in the city has been impacted. To put a dollar figure on personal property loss at this point and time is going to be difficult," says Wells' Mayor Rusy Tybo.

All schools in Wells are closed for the rest of Thursday.

UPDATED: 2:10pm

During a press conference, Gov. Jim Gibbons said he's working toward an emergency declaration for the area. He will do that when he gets back to Carson City later this afternoon.

He also said that three people received minor damages. "I just want all of you to know that the state of Nevada cares about the people of Wells. We want to make sure that we've gotten those folks with out a home a place for them to stay, that we've got food and clothing for them."

Wells' mayor also spoke mentioning that 30-40 buildings were damaged.

Assessment teams are coming to the area. Banks may be open as early as tomorrow.

The Red Cross is set up at the fire station.

UPDATED: 11:25am

From the Department of Public Safety-

As of now, the town of Wells is closed to the general public.Only local residents are being allowed in. Identification is being checked. Because of that, gas stations will not be accessible.

The Flying J gas station which is just off I-80 is also closed. We encourage all motorist that are traveling on I-80 east towards Salt Lake City to top off with gas in Elko. Also those motorists traveling from Twin Falls, Idaho (traveling south on U.S. 93 to Wells) to top off in Jackpot, Nevada; and for those motorists traveling north from Ely, Nevada (on U.S. 93) to also top off in Ely.  

In northern Nevada gas stops are few and far between. The Department of Transportation has also put up signs to remind motorists to fuel up in those areas. We don't want motorists stranded in the middle of nowhere (where cell service is not great). 

So please top off in Elko, Ely, and Jackpot. 

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The U.S. Geological Survey has revised its numbers on the size of Thursday morning's earthquake in Elko county. 

It's now saying a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Elko county at around 6:15am.

Initial reports had the size of the quake at 6.3.

Residents in Wells report a large amount of shaking and even some trailer homes shifted during the quake. Residents are also reporting about eight buildings have collapsed. Aftershocks continue to hit Elko County, there are reports that about five big aftershocks have hit so far.

Significant shaking could be felt as far as Battle Mountain, Lovelock and Winnemucca and even as far as Boise, Idaho.

People inside the Fourway Bar and Casino in Wells report slot machines thrown to the floor. 

Elko County schools in Wells will be closed Friday for structural damage assessment.

All other Elko County schools remain open as scheduled.

Stay with Channel 2 News for more on this developing story.