Residents along the East Coast were shaken up on Friday morning as a minor earthquake struck New Jersey and was felt in surrounding areas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake, measuring at least 4.8 magnitude, struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, at 10:23 a.m., sending tremors as far as New York City and Philadelphia.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy activated the State Emergency Operations Center in response to the earthquake, urging residents not to call 911 unless it was an actual emergency. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also reassured residents that they were actively monitoring the situation and in contact with counties to assess any damage.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described the earthquake as one of the largest on the East Coast in the last century and directed her emergency management team to start damage assessments immediately. Reports of the earthquake were widespread, with residents in Manhattan, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire feeling the tremors.
Social media was abuzz with accounts of the earthquake, with residents sharing their experiences of shelves rattling and houses shaking. Flights at Newark and John F. Kennedy International airports were temporarily halted, and the Holland Tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey was closed for inspection before reopening.
Despite the widespread impact of the earthquake, there were no initial reports of major damage or injuries. Mayor Eric Adams urged New Yorkers to check on their loved ones and be prepared for potential aftershocks. Emergency services in New York City sent out a cell phone alert to residents, advising them on safety precautions.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are conducting inspections of critical infrastructure to ensure public safety. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
