An unexpected earthquake jolted the East Coast of the United States today, with its epicenter traced to Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. The seismic event, initially measured at a magnitude of 4.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), sent tremors rippling from Maryland to Maine, leaving residents startled but fortunately causing minimal damage.
According to Mayor James Pittinger of Lebanon, New Jersey, who described the quake as “the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced,” no significant destruction has been reported so far. However, the shaking was palpable enough to prompt precautionary inspections of buildings, bridges, and other critical infrastructure across affected cities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul assured the public that her team is diligently assessing any impacts or damages resulting from the quake. Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy of New York City confirmed that the earthquake did not lead to any major disruptions within the city.
Despite the relatively moderate magnitude, the earthquake prompted precautionary measures across various sectors. Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport experienced ground stops, while the Port Authority Transit Corp. temporarily suspended services for safety evaluations.
While earthquakes are infrequent occurrences along the East Coast, this event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. In recent years, similar tremors have been recorded, including a 3.8-magnitude quake in Buffalo, New York, in 2023, and a 4.1-magnitude quake in the tristate area in 2017.
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey urged residents to remain calm and refrain from overwhelming emergency services unless facing genuine emergencies. As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to monitor and provide updates to ensure public safety.
This story is evolving, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments.