(Scypre.com) – On a surprising Friday morning, the East Coast of the United States was jolted awake by an earthquake that sent shockwaves from Maryland all the way to Maine. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the seismic event was clocked at a magnitude of 4.8, with Lebanon, New Jersey, identified as the epicenter. The occurrence, taking place just before 10:30 a.m. ET, marked a significant moment as the most substantial earthquake the Northeast has seen in over ten years, based on USGS data.
Despite the alarming nature of the event, initial reports were somewhat reassuring, indicating a lack of serious damage or casualties. Authorities across the impacted regions were quick to commence evaluations on the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and various infrastructures to confirm their safety post-shake.
Lebanon, New Jersey’s own Mayor James Pittinger described the earthquake as “the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced” during an MSNBC interview. He highlighted the absence of significant damage reports while also recounting personal moments of panic, including his dog’s frantic search for shelter and household items tumbling down.
Although a 4.8 magnitude quake might not be classified as major, its effects are not to be underestimated, especially in areas like the East Coast, which are not as accustomed or prepared for such natural phenomena as other, more frequent earthquake zones globally. This sentiment was echoed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who noted the tremor was felt statewide and assured that assessments were underway to gauge any potential damages, promising ongoing updates.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the lack of major injuries or infrastructure damage, encouraging residents to proceed with their day as usual. Meanwhile, the event prompted precautionary measures at major airports, including temporary ground stops at both Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Transport services also faced disruptions, with the Port Authority Transit Corp. halting its Pennsylvania-New Jersey route for inspections, and New Jersey Transit signaling minor delays due to bridge evaluations. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, however, reported no service impacts, though inspections were planned as a precaution.
The rarity of such seismic activities in the northeast was highlighted by recalling previous events, including a 3.8-magnitude quake in Buffalo, New York, in February 2023, and a more distant 5.8-magnitude quake in Virginia in 2011, which had wide-reaching effects across the East Coast.
In response to the quake, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy activated the state’s emergency operations center, urging the public to reserve 911 calls for actual emergencies.
Experts, like Frederik J. Simons, a Princeton University geosciences professor, provided insight into the earthquake’s origins, explaining it occurred along a shallow fault system in New Jersey and lasted approximately 35 seconds. Simons highlighted the unique geological characteristics of the East Coast, where older, denser rocks facilitate a more pronounced transmission of seismic energy, compared to the West Coast’s geology.
The quake was pinpointed to the Ramapo fault system, an older, mostly inactive fault line at the juncture of continental and oceanic plates. Simons likened the slow accumulation of stress along these plates, leading to eventual slippage, to the creaking and groaning of an old house, emphasizing the gradual build-up to such seismic events.
This quake, described by Simons as one of the most significant in New Jersey’s recent history, not only reiterates the unpredictability of natural phenomena but also serves as a reminder of the ever-present need for preparedness and resilience in the face of such events.