The bustling capital of New York was jolted by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake in the northeast region of the United States.
Seismic activity near Lebanon, New Jersey has caused tremors in the densely populated New York City area, according to the US Geological Survey.
From the East Coast to nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts, residents felt the tremors. There were reports of widespread effects from the seismic event, with residents as far away as Boston feeling the effects of the earthquake.
Authorities moved quickly, with the New York City Fire Department and the New York City Police Department monitoring the situation. Fortunately, initial assessments did not indicate any casualties or major damage.
New York Governor Cathy Hochul confirmed the earthquake was felt across the country and said her team was actively assessing potential damage. “My team is assessing the impact and possible damage and we will update the public throughout the day,” said Mayor Hochul.
The sudden earthquake brought back memories of a similar earthquake on August 23, 2011, which shook millions of people from Georgia to Canada. At magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest earthquake to hit Virginia on the Eastern Shore since World War II.
The timing of today’s earthquake left an indelible impression on many New Yorkers, three weeks shy of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The 2011 earthquake not only shook the city but also damaged national monuments such as the Washington Monument and prompted evacuations from the White House and the capital.