A strong earthquake occurred across New York City and its environment on Friday morning, 5 April 2024, at about 10:23 am. The earthquake which was said to be 4.8 was centered in Readington Township, New Jersey, which is 40 miles West of New York City, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Due to the magnitude of the earthquake, the impact was felt throughout the Tri-State Area, including upstate in Syracuse, as well as in Philadelphia and as far away as Baltimore. There were reports of buildings shaking and rattling in New Jersey up to Long Island at the time of the  impact.

“We’re taking this extremely seriously and here’s why. There’s always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt the magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011,” New York Governor, Kathy Hochul remarked. “This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century.”

Hochul said she has started a damage assessment across the state and spoke with New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy since the quake’s epicenter was located in the Garden State. “It’s been an unsettling day, to say the least,” Hochul added.

New York City Mayor, Eric Adams stated that though there’s always a concern about aftershocks, “New Yorkers should go about their normal day. First responders are working to make sure the city is safe.” He stated further that, he’s been in touch with the White House.

“Earthquakes don’t happen every day in New York, so this can be extremely traumatic – the number of texts, calls, and inquiries that people sent out not only to our administration but to family members. Check in on them. We know how this can impact you,” Adams said.

The quake comes just a few months after the USGS warned nearly 75% of the United States could face damaging quakes in the next 100 years. In 2011, a 5.8 quake struck in Virginia and rattled the entire East Coast.

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