Significant Earthquake Rattles the Northeast, Including New York and New Jersey

A significant earthquake struck the Northeast region of the United States on a recent Friday, causing widespread tremors and concern across several states. The earthquake, measured at a magnitude of 4.8, was centered in New Jersey, approximately 45 miles west of New York City.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was shallow, occurring just under three miles deep, which contributed to its widespread impact. The tremors were felt from New York to Maryland and even as far as Maine, affecting millions of people in major cities such as New York and Philadelphia.

Impact and Response

The earthquake was strong enough to cause noticeable shaking, with reports of tremors lasting up to 30 seconds near the epicenter. Residents in the affected areas described the experience as violent and likened it to an explosion. Despite the intensity, there were no reported injuries, but three multifamily homes in Newark, New Jersey, were damaged, leading to evacuations.

In the aftermath, officials utilized drones to inspect bridges for any structural defects or anomalies, ensuring public safety. Governor Kathy Hochul directed her emergency management team to conduct thorough damage assessments and check for any compromised infrastructure.

Historical Context and Seismic Activity

This earthquake was notable for being one of the strongest to hit the region in over two centuries. While earthquakes are rare in the Northeast, recent years have seen a few significant events. For instance, in February of the previous year, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake hit Buffalo, marking the strongest recorded in the area in 40 years.

New York City, although a low-risk area for earthquakes, has experienced several minor quakes in recent years. Notably, a 0.009 magnitude quake was centered under Long Island City, Queens, in June 2019, and a 5.8 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Virginia was felt along the East Coast in 2011.

Aftershocks and Ongoing Monitoring

Following the main earthquake, over a dozen aftershocks were reported in the region, including a 4.0 magnitude quake. These aftershocks continued to rattle the area, keeping residents and authorities vigilant. Seismologists like Dr. Lucy Jones emphasized that while the damage was minimal, the impact could have been worse if the epicenter had been located under a more densely populated urban area.