The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that the New York City metro area was hit by a major seismic event early Friday morning. According to the agency, the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 and the epicenter was near the town of Lebannon, New Jersey. Despite the high magnitude of the earthquake, preliminary reports from the New York City Fire Department indicate that no damage has been reported.
According to British media on April 5, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed that the epicenter of the earthquake was near Reddington in Huntton County, triggering a widespread reaction in the surrounding area. Social media is flooded with earthquake experiences from residents of New Jersey, Virginia, and Philadelphia.
In the heart of Manhattan, car drivers honked their horns in response as the streets briefly shook under the force of the earthquake, and the normally noisy midtown traffic became louder. Residents of Brooklyn described hearing a distinct explosion, accompanied by a shaking of the building, prompting a California resident to calm a nervous neighbor in Manhattan's East Village.
Celebrities and public figures have taken to social media to share their experiences, with Meghan Kelly pointing out the impact of the earthquake in Connecticut, a busy Phillips lamenting the shaking in New York City, and Jessica Chastain questioning whether there was an earthquake in the bustling metropolis. Even seasoned news anchor Don Lemmon was positive about the earthquake in New York City.
In the midst of the backlash, the Empire State Building's official Twitter account succinctly assured followers of its safety. However, New York Governor Kathy Hodchier emphasized the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the magnitude of the earthquake and its impact on the entire state. She pledged to provide an update while assessing the potential damage.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "A magnitude 4.8 earthquake was felt west of Manhattan and was felt throughout New York.
"My team is assessing the impact and any damage that may occur, and we will keep the public updated throughout the day. ”
A spokesman for New York City Mayor Eric Adams also issued safety guidelines for possible aftershocks. Residents were urged to find sturdy furniture or shelter under porches for possible aftershocks, and the city remained vigilant with officials closely monitoring the situation.
A spokesperson for New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "In the event of an aftershock, lie on the floor, cover your head and neck, and take extra cover under sturdy furniture, next to interior walls, or in doorways." "We will be keeping the public informed of more updates soon.
The earthquake has even left its mark on the global stage, with videos circulating on social media showing the earthquake disrupting UN Security Council meetings.
Although New York City is not traditionally considered a seismically active zone, earthquake experts have warned of the city's vulnerability. Although not traditionally associated with seismic activity, fault lines in New York City can cause significant damage. Historical data highlights the city's vulnerability, with statistics showing that the city experiences an earthquake of this magnitude approximately every hundred years, with the last major earthquake occurring in 1884.