An earthquake rocked the Eastern seaboard of the United States on Friday morning, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, leading to trembling buildings and frayed nerves from Maryland to Maine.
According to USGS data, the quake registered as a 4.8 temblor, with its epicenter located near Lebanon, New Jersey. It occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m. ET.
This earthquake marked the most powerful recorded in the Northeast in over ten years, based on USGS records.
As of now, there have been no immediate reports of significant destruction or casualties. Local and regional authorities in affected areas have initiated inspections to ensure the integrity of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
James Pittinger, mayor of Lebanon, New Jersey, described the earthquake as “the most surreal experience I’ve ever had.” During an interview with MSNBC, he mentioned receiving no reports of significant damage yet, but noted that the shaking prompted his dog to seek shelter and caused items to fall off shelves.
Although a 4.8 magnitude quake is not classified as a major earthquake, even minor tremors can inflict damage along the East Coast, where precautionary measures for earthquakes are not as stringent as in other seismic zones globally.
East Coast earthquake
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the earthquake was felt throughout the state. She stated that her team is currently assessing any impacts and potential damage, and promised to provide updates to the public as the day progresses.
Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy of New York City reported no major impacts within the city following the earthquake.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s website announced ground stops at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
The Port Authority Transit Corp., responsible for a rapid transit route between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, suspended service temporarily to inspect the integrity of the line.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York mentioned no impact on its service, but stated that teams would be inspecting train lines. New Jersey Transit informed riders of 20-minute delays due to bridge inspections post-earthquake.
While earthquakes in the northeast U.S. are rare, Buffalo, New York, experienced a 3.8-magnitude quake in February 2023, the strongest recorded in the area in four decades.
In 2017, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake centered near Little Creek, Delaware, shook the tristate area. Before that, a 5.8-magnitude quake rattled central Virginia in 2011, felt across much of the East Coast, prompting evacuations in cities like New York and Washington.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy activated the state’s emergency operations center and urged the public not to call 911 unless they are facing an emergency.
New York – On Friday morning, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck New Jersey, jolting citizens in neighbouring states including New York City.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the temblor occurred about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, about 10:23 a.m. on Friday. The epicentre was around 45 miles from New York City, and inhabitants reported shaking furniture and floors.
There have been no severe interruptions or damage reported in New Jersey or New York.
“We’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Centre. “Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency,” stated New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Drechsel, 61, stated that once the tremor stopped, practically everyone in the building began receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family.
Nothing was harmed and no one was wounded, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, described it as “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever experienced.
“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she went on to say. “Customers are calling now to see if we’re still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”To Read More Click Here.
This story is developing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
