A significant seismic event rattled the Northeast on a recent Friday morning when a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, causing tremors felt across 14 states from Maine to North Carolina. The earthquake, which occurred at 10:23 a.m., prompted responses from residents and officials in the affected areas, including New York City, Pennsylvania, and beyond. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake’s impacts might have reached over 42 million people, with more than 152,000 individuals reporting the shaking.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy activated the State Emergency Operations Center in response to the earthquake, urging residents to use emergency services prudently. The seismic activity, centered approximately 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia, marked one of the most significant earthquakes to hit the East Coast in recent history.
Aftershocks followed the initial quake, with the USGS recording 11 subsequent tremors by Friday evening, including a 4.0 magnitude aftershock near Gladstone, New Jersey. These aftershocks varied in magnitude and were spread across different locations within New Jersey, adding to the concerns of residents and authorities alike.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and New York Governor Kathy Hochul both issued statements, assuring the public of their teams’ vigilance in monitoring the situation and assessing any potential damages. Hochul, who felt the earthquake in Albany, highlighted the rarity of such a significant seismic event on the East Coast and directed emergency management teams to conduct damage assessments.
The earthquake and its aftershocks prompted checks on infrastructure, including airports, tunnels, and Amtrak’s rail service, with temporary halts and speed restrictions implemented as precautions. Despite the intensity of the quake, major infrastructure reported no significant issues, allowing services to resume normal operations shortly after inspections.
Residents in affected areas described the earthquake as a startling experience, with reports of rattling shelves, shaking houses, and a loud, unidentifiable sound accompanying the tremors. The quake prompted community discussions and inspections for potential damages, though many were relieved to find their homes and properties unscathed.
New Jersey’s location along the Ramapo Fault line contributed to the quake’s significance, marking the strongest earthquake to hit the state in 240 years and the most substantial in New York City in 139 years. Experts note that while earthquakes are less common on the East Coast due to geological factors, this event underscores the importance of preparedness for natural disasters.
The earthquake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity and the need for vigilance and readiness, even in regions not traditionally associated with frequent earthquakes.