The US Geological Survey reported an unusual 4.8 magnitude earthquake near densely populated New York City on Friday morning, shocking inhabitants who are habituated to shaking.
The quake happened in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia around 10 a.m. local time. The Northeast tremors may have affected almost 42 million people, according to USGS data.
Over 30 minutes after the quake, New York City’s emergency notification system reported no damage or injuries on social media. The New York Fire Department stated on social media that no significant accidents occurred while responding to calls and checking building stability.
Shaking was reported from Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and even the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, when tremors lasting several seconds were felt over 200 miles distant.
The earthquake brought up memories of the August 23, 2011 earthquake that shook tens of millions from Georgia to Canada. At 5.8, it was the greatest East Coast quake since World War II, with its epicenter in Virginia.
Although earthquakes are rare on the East Coast due to its distance from tectonic plate boundaries, they can nevertheless be devastating. This area’s rocks are superior at distributing earthquake energy across great distances; therefore, the shakes were felt widely.
The White House has updated President Joe Biden on the earthquake, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul has assured the public that her staff is examining any affects or damages and will offer updates throughout the day.
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