Earthquake Rattles Northeast: 4.8 Magnitude Quake Strikes NJ, Sends Tremors Across New York and Philadelphia

An earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale jolted the Northeast on Friday morning, sending tremors rippling through major urban centres from Philadelphia to New York City and beyond, reaching as far as Connecticut and Westchester, New York.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicentre of the earthquake was located near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The incident occurred at approximately 10:25 a.m. EST.

Although reports of injuries were initially unclear, data from the U.S. Geological Survey suggested that the quake may have been felt by more than 42 million individuals.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the quake reverberated across the state, prompting her team to assess any potential impacts or damages. “My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day,” she wrote on social media.

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Experts warned of potential aftershocks, with a 46% chance of a secondary quake over 3.0 magnitude within the next week. New York City Mayor Eric Adams advised residents on safety precautions, urging them to seek shelter under sturdy furniture or doorways in the event of an aftershock.

Describing it as “one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast in the last century,” Governor Hochul emphasised the significance of the event.

Fortunately, initial assessments from the Fire Department of New York indicated no reports of significant damage. However, eyewitnesses described a scene of momentary chaos, with trembling buildings and startled residents.

In Manhattan, the bustling streets briefly fell silent as motorists honked their horns in confusion, while residents in Brooklyn reported hearing booming sounds and feeling their buildings shake. At the United Nations headquarters, the earthquake interrupted a briefing on humanitarian crises, adding an unexpected twist to the proceedings.

Despite the disruption, essential services remained largely unaffected. Con Edison reported no outages or damage, while the New York City subway system continued operations without interruption.

Transportation authorities, including Amtrak and New Jersey Transit, implemented safety measures, inspecting tracks and bridges for any signs of damage.

While the earthquake stirred memories of previous seismic events in the region, including the notable quake of 2011, experts underscored the rarity of such occurrences on the East Coast due to geological differences from the West Coast.

In the aftermath of the quake, government officials and emergency responders remained vigilant, monitoring the situation and ensuring public safety. President Joe Biden was briefed on the earthquake, with White House officials closely monitoring potential impacts.

As the Northeast regains its composure following the seismic event, communities are reminded of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

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