An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 shook the densely populated New York City metropolitan area on Friday morning, causing a rare moment of panic and confusion for residents unaccustomed to feeling the ground move. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia. Although there were no reports of damage or injuries in New York City, the tremors were felt by more than 42 million people across the Northeast.
The earthquake took place at 10:23 a.m., and its effects were felt over a wide area, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and even as far as the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, more than 200 miles away. As buildings shook and streets momentarily trembled, residents were taken by surprise. Some mistook the vibrations for a passing truck, while others feared for their safety as they felt their surroundings shake.
Cassondra Kurtz, a resident of New York City’s Astoria neighborhood, was in the midst of giving her 14-year-old Chihuahua, Chiki, a cocoa-butter rubdown when her apartment suddenly started shaking. A mirror measuring 9 feet in height banged against a wall, creating a loud noise that added to the momentary chaos. Despite the commotion, Chiki remained completely unbothered by the earthquake.
In midtown Manhattan, attorney Finn Dusenbery was in his law office when the building began to shake. He described his initial fear that the ceiling would collapse and that the entire structure might come crashing down. Dusenbery felt a moment of panic and considered leaving the building for his safety. Meanwhile, at a coffee shop in lower Manhattan, customers were startled by the unexpected earthquake. Dishes rattled, and the concrete counter shook, leaving everyone in disbelief.
The earthquake also caught Solomon Byron off guard as he sat on a park bench in Manhattan’s East Village. He felt an unfamiliar rumble and was puzzled by the vibrations, questioning their source. It was only when he received an alert on his cellphone that he realized an earthquake had occurred.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the earthquake and was in contact with federal, state, and local officials to gather more information. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also acknowledged the quake’s impact throughout the state and assured the public that her team was assessing any damage that may have occurred. Similarly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated that state officials were closely monitoring the situation, while Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont reported no damage in his state.
The earthquake brought back memories of a similar event that occurred on August 23, 2011, which registered a magnitude of 5.8. That earthquake, the strongest to hit the East Coast since World War II, jolted millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Its epicenter was in Virginia and caused cracks in the Washington Monument, the evacuation of the White House and Capitol, and added anxiety for New Yorkers just three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.
While this recent earthquake did not result in significant damage or injuries, it serves as a reminder that even regions unaccustomed to seismic activity are not immune to such occurrences. The Northeast, known for its bustling cities and iconic landmarks, experienced a momentary disruption that left residents surprised and concerned. As authorities continue to assess the situation and monitor for any potential aftershocks, it is essential for individuals to stay informed and prepared for any future seismic events that may arise.
