Small earthquake rattles parts of New York City area, New Jersey

A minor earthquake shook parts of the New York City area on Saturday night, with a magnitude of 3.0, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was located northeast of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, in Bergen County, approximately 10 kilometers below the surface.

Although the quake was relatively small, there were reports of brief shaking in some areas. New York City Emergency Management stated on social media that tremors may have been felt in parts of the city, but there were no reports of injuries or damage.

Xan Davidson, an analyst from USGS, mentioned to ABC News that earthquakes are uncommon on the East Coast, but a magnitude 3.0 quake is not considered significant in terms of damage. “We would not expect there to be a lot of damage, just some shaking,” Davidson said.

In April 2024, a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit New York City and New Jersey, described as one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast in a century. The epicenter was near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and the tremors were felt from Philadelphia to Connecticut and Westchester, New York.

“Earthquakes do occur in this region, but they are not frequent events,” Davidson commented, referring to the 2024 earthquake. He also mentioned that the widespread reports of people feeling Saturday’s quake, even reaching Connecticut, were not unexpected, and there was no need for alarm.

Overall, while earthquakes in the area are rare, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared for any natural events that may occur. Stay tuned to local authorities for updates and safety measures in case of future seismic activity.