New York, April 5, 2024 – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rumbled through the northeastern United States at 10:23 a.m. on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.)
The earthquake sent tremors from Philadelphia to Boston and jolting buildings in Manhattan and throughout the five boroughs.
The U.S.G.S. reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was in Lebanon, N.J., about 50 miles west of New York City where frightened residents darted into streets wondering what had just happened.
The New York Police Department said it had no immediate reports of damage, but sirens could be heard all over the city.
Several East Coast airports issued ground stops halting air traffic in the immediate aftermath.
Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement Friday morning that New York City did not have any reports of “major impacts or injuries” so far. He said the city would continue its inspections of critical infrastructure.
“I encourage all New Yorkers to check on your loved ones, and if you feel an aftershock, drop to the floor, cover your head and neck, and take cover under a solid piece of furniture, next to an interior wall, or in a doorway,” he said.
The Police Department’s chief of transit said on X that no structural damage had been reported within the subway system and there were no service disruptions as a result of the earthquake.
New York City’s public schools reported no immediate signs of damage or compromised buildings either, said Nathaniel Styer, a spokesman.
“The safest place for our kids right now is in our schools,” Mr. Styer said. “Schools are operating as normal.”
New York City officials were slow to send an alert about the earthquake. A beeping text alert went out to some residents at 11:02 a.m., nearly 40 minutes after the earthquake hit.
Mr. Adams has received criticism in the past over his delayed response to emergencies, including floods and wildfire smoke.
Airports in the New York City metropolitan area are conducting runway inspections, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said.
John F. Kennedy International Airport and La Guardia Airport have been cleared. Departing flights remain paused at Newark Liberty International Airport.
There is a three percent chance of a large aftershock within the next week and it is more likely that there could be smaller aftershocks in the coming days, according to an aftershock forecast for New York City’s earthquake by the United States Geological Survey.
The federal agency said there is three percent chance of aftershocks within the next week that are larger than magnitude 5, which can be damaging.
There is a 46 percent chance of a magnitude 3 or higher aftershock within the next week. (New York Times)
