New Yorkers were reminded of the seismic activity that lurks beneath their feet on Friday morning when a magnitude-4.8 earthquake shook buildings across the region. While the tremors were unsettling, they were not unprecedented for the area.
In recent years, New Yorkers have experienced a series of earthquakes, ranging from a 1.7 magnitude quake in Astoria, Queens, to a 3.6 magnitude quake in Adams Center, N.Y. These events have jolted residents awake, rattled buildings, and even led to evacuations in some cases.
Despite the frequency of these smaller earthquakes, geologists assure the public that they are not cause for alarm. The area experiences numerous tiny earthquakes every year, with even 3.0-magnitude quakes being relatively common and rarely causing significant damage.
The recent earthquake served as a reminder of the fault lines that run through the region, with some drawing parallels to the 5.2 magnitude quake that hit Coney Island in 1884. While that historic event caused some to question the safety of skyscrapers in the city, as of Friday morning, none of the city’s tall buildings appeared to be in danger.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, the Empire State Building’s Twitter account was quick to reassure the public, tweeting, “I AM FINE.” Despite the momentary panic caused by the tremors, New Yorkers can rest assured that their city’s iconic skyline remains intact.
