A rare earthquake, registering at a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale, shook the New York City area on Friday. This seismic event, which is uncommon for the region, originated near Lebanon, New Jersey. Fortunately, there have been no reports of immediate damage. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre recorded a slightly higher magnitude of 5.5 for the quake.
New York Earthquake
A mild earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 hit New York City on Friday, originating in neighboring New Jersey, as per the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
In Brooklyn, buildings shook, causing cupboard doors and fixtures to rattle, according to a reporter from AFP.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 4.8 – 7 km N of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey https://t.co/DuTYZ1kb4X
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) April 5, 2024At the United Nations headquarters in New York, a Security Council meeting discussing the Gaza situation was briefly halted due to the tremor.
During the quake, Save the Children representative Janti Soeripto, who was speaking at the time, wondered aloud if it was indeed an earthquake.
People took to social media to share that they felt the earthquake from Philadelphia to New York and along Long Island.
The famous Empire State Building reassured everyone through its official account, stating, “I AM FINE.”
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New York Earthquake Impacts
Following the earthquake, there were temporary halts in operations at John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty International Airport, causing delays at LaGuardia too while crews assessed any potential damage to the airports and runways.
The MTA is currently conducting inspections on all bridges and tunnels in the New York City area, with officials also checking subway tunnels. Fortunately, no damage has been reported thus far.
A resident of New York City shared their experience of the earthquake, describing how their apartment building shook, causing them to panic.
In Berkeley Heights, N.J., cracks were visible in the walls of an apartment.
After the quake, the Empire State Building had a light-hearted response.
Past New York Earthquakes
The history of seismic activity along the East Coast, particularly in New York City, stretches back to as early as 1884 when a significant earthquake, measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, shook the city. This event, though not as well-remembered as earthquakes in more traditionally seismically active regions like California, nonetheless serves as a reminder that the East Coast is not immune to such natural phenomena.
One of the key geological features contributing to earthquake risks in the region is the Ramapo Fault. This fault line, situated in New Jersey, extends from the Appalachian mountains and traverses through parts of New York State. Additionally, beneath the bustling streets of Manhattan lie at least five smaller fault lines, adding complexity to the seismic landscape of the area.
Recent warnings from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have heightened awareness of earthquake risks along the East Coast. According to their projections, approximately 75% of the United States could be susceptible to damaging earthquakes within the next century.
This warning underscores the importance of preparedness and mitigation efforts to minimize potential impacts on densely populated urban areas like New York City.
The vulnerability of the East Coast to seismic events was further highlighted in 2011 when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Mineral, Virginia. This relatively rare event not only rattled residents in the vicinity but also sent tremors rippling along the entire East Coast, serving as a wake-up call for communities to reassess their readiness for such occurrences.
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New York Earthquake FAQs
Q.1. Is it common for New York City to experience earthquakes?
Ans. While less frequent than in other regions, earthquakes do occur in New York City, with historical records dating back to 1884.
Q.2. What caused the recent earthquake in New York City?
Ans. The earthquake, registering at a magnitude of 4.8, originated near Lebanon, New Jersey, as per the USGS.
Q.3. Were there any immediate reports of damage or injuries?
Ans. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries following the earthquake.
Q.4. How did the earthquake impact transportation in the area?
Ans. Operations at John F. Kennedy and Newark Liberty International Airport were temporarily halted, causing delays at LaGuardia, while inspections were conducted.
Q.5. What measures are being taken to assess potential damage?
Ans. The MTA is conducting inspections on bridges, tunnels, and subway tunnels in the New York City area to ensure safety.
