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Two-Month Quake Swarm Raises Alarm in Reno May 2, 2008
Map of Nevada
Residents just west of Reno, Nevada, are on edge due to a string of earthquakes, which have increased in intensity since February.

The strongest in the series was a 4.7 magnitude quake late on Friday, April 25, that cracked walls, dislodged large bolders and shattered windows.

That sharp jolt was the strongest around Reno since a 5.1 magnitude quake struck in 1953.

Friday's quake was followed by more than 100 aftershocks, and scientists warned area residents that the shaking could be a precursor to a major seismic event.

Seismologists said the recent activity is unusual because the quakes started out weak and have increased in strength over time.

The normal pattern is for an initial quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks.