Quake near Wells is felt in Idaho

People across Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Utah felt the ground move beneath their feet Thursday morning.

At about 7:13 a.m. MT, a 6.0 earthquake rocked the Nevada desert near Wells, and sent shock waves hundreds of miles in every direction.

The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 10 miles east southeast of Wells according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquake activity nationwide.

The USGS characterizes a 6.0 earthquake as strong where potential damage and injury in nearby towns and cities is probable.

The quake was felt as far away as eastern Oregon, and as far north as Idaho's central mountains. People living in Lovelock, Nevada, and Salt Lack City also reported having felt the earthquake.

Several tremblors continued to rumble near Wells throughout the morning.

At least one building in the historical area of Wells was heavily damaged. Cracks were reported on several other structures throughout the community, and school was cancelled for the day because of concerns about the integrity of the building after cracks were discovered there.

A section of Highway 93 between Wells and Jackpot was closed for several hours while road crews checked for damage.

As of 1:40 p.m. that day the eastbound and westbound off ramps at exits 351 and 352 remained closed.

UPDATE: Scores of buildings have been damaged and the area has been designated a disaster area, making it eligible for federal assistance. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.