A surprising 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled parts of New York and New Jersey on Friday, sending shockwaves through the region and leaving residents in disbelief. The tremor, which struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, was felt as far as Philadelphia and Connecticut.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 4.7 miles (7.6 km), with its epicentre located about 45 miles west of New York City. While no major structural damage or injuries were immediately reported, the rare seismic event caused widespread alarm.
Residents React to Unusual Tremor
Many New Yorkers took to social media to share their shock, with some mistaking the quake for construction work or a passing truck. Office workers in Manhattan reported feeling buildings sway, while others described a sudden, unsettling vibration.
"I thought it was just me at first," said one Brooklyn resident. "Then I saw my curtains moving on their own and realised something was wrong."
Authorities Respond
Emergency services across the region reported being inundated with calls, though officials quickly confirmed there was no tsunami risk. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that teams were assessing critical infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey conducted inspections at major transport hubs, while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority implemented slow orders for trains as a precaution.
East Coast Earthquakes: A Rare Occurrence
Unlike California's frequent seismic activity, earthquakes on the US East Coast are uncommon but can be felt across much wider areas due to the region's geological composition. The last significant quake in the area was a 5.8 magnitude tremor in Virginia in 2011 that caused minor damage to buildings in Washington DC.
Seismologists note that while Friday's earthquake was relatively moderate, it serves as an important reminder for East Coast residents to familiarise themselves with earthquake safety protocols.
