NEW YORK. An earthquake struck the densely populated New York City metropolitan area on Friday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Residents across the Northeast reported feeling tremors in an area where such occurrences are uncommon.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at 10:23 a.m. with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, its epicenter located near Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia. Initial estimates suggested that the quake may have been felt by over 42 million people across the affected areas.
Despite the significant rumbling, New York City’s emergency notification system swiftly assured residents via social media that there were no reports of damage or injuries within the city. Mayor Eric Adams received a briefing on the event, with spokesperson Fabien Levy stating, “While we do not have any reports of major impacts at this time, we’re still assessing the impact.”
In the aftermath of the quake, residents across the Northeast shared their experiences, with reports of shaking coming from as far as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and even near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, over 200 miles away. The tremors prompted a sense of unease among many, stirring memories of the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck the East Coast on August 23, 2011, leaving cracks in the Washington Monument and prompting evacuations in Washington, D.C.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured the public of ongoing assessments regarding impacts and damages throughout the state. Similarly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s spokespersons stated that officials were monitoring the situation, though no reports of significant damage had surfaced in their respective states at the time.
The unexpected seismic activity disrupted the usual rhythm of city life, with motorists honking horns on momentarily shuddering streets in Manhattan and Brooklyn residents hearing a booming sound accompanied by building vibrations. In lower Manhattan, patrons at a coffee shop discussed the startling occurrence as dishware rattled and concrete counters shook. “I noticed the door trembling on its frame,” remarked India Hays, a barista, reflecting the disbelief shared by many at the prospect of an earthquake in the area.
While the quake did not result in widespread damage or injuries, its occurrence serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of geological events, especially in regions where such phenomena are less common. As authorities continue to assess the situation, residents remain vigilant, reflecting on the fleeting but impactful disruption to their daily lives.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
