An unexpected earthquake rattled the New Jersey and New York City area today causing a stir across the northeast. The United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude-4.8 quake, its epicenter near Lebanon, New Jersey, striking at approximately 10:20 local time (15:20 GMT).
Social media lit up with reports of shaking reaching from Philadelphia to coastal regions, after the incident
In New York City, the tremors interrupted a UN Security Council meeting on Gaza, surprising attendees. Operations at JFK and Newark airports paused briefly for runway checks, although no significant damage was reported. According to reports, Buildings in Brooklyn and the Bronx swayed, leaving residents unsettled.
Officials, including representatives from the New York Mayor’s office and Governor Kathy Hochul, has sreassured the public of no major harm or injuries. However, they cautioned about potential aftershocks and stated they were closely monitoring the situation.
Although earthquakes are rare on the East Coast, history notes significant events. In 1983, a 5.1 magnitude quake shook near Newcomb, New York, while in 1884, a 5.0 magnitude tremor rattled New York City. The 2011 Virginia earthquake, measuring 5.8 magnitude, prompted evacuations in major cities like New York City and Washington DC. The region’s seismic activity is linked to the Ramapo Fault and other smaller fault lines running beneath Manhattan Island.
