4.8 Magnitude Earthquake in NewYork. Did You Feel It?

By h. nazan ışık—

5 April 2024—

© h. nazan ışık

This morning on Friday 5 April 2024  at 10:23,according to the United States Geological Survey ( U.S.G.S.) New York City and surrounding regions experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake.

Some people whom I talked to felt it, some didn’t. Did you?

I was home, heard a sound. It sounded like my ceiling in the other room collapsed, came down. Checked, all was intacted.  

 Later, about 10 minutes later, I received an emergency alert on my cell phone: “4.7 magnitude earthquake has occurred in the NYC area. Residents are advised  to remain indoors and to call 911 if injured. More info: https://bit.ly/3vMVLRe “

Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the response to the 4.8 magnitude earthquake felt throughout New York.

Screen shot from Governor Hochul Press conference

Governor Hochul: “ Approximately one hour ago, New Yorkers felt the effects of a 4.8 magnitude earthquake, the epicenter of which was in Central New Jersey. That is about 45 miles west of Manhattan. 

This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century and we’re taking this extremely seriously. So, I immediately directed my emergency management team, to start doing damage assessments – any life in danger and finding out whether there’s any bridges or tunnels that are compromised.”

Hochul: “At this point, heading into an hour and a half after the effects, we’ve not identified any life-threatening situations,”

Mayor Adams Holds Briefing With Senior Administration Officials To Discuss Earthquake Felt In New York City Area

Mayor Eric Adams © h.  nazan ışık

Mayor Eric Adams:. “All of us felt in some way or another the earthquake that hit our city around 10:23 a.m. We felt the impact of this 4.7 magnitude earthquake. The epicenter was in Lebanon, New Jersey, about 50 miles from New York City. 

At this point, we do not have any reports of major impacts to our infrastructure or injuries. New Yorkers should go about their normal day.”

The Mayor reminded people of possible aftershocks after an earthquake : “If you feel an aftershock, drop to the floor, cover your head and neck, and take cover under a solid piece of furniture next to an interior wall or in a doorway.  I encourage New Yorkers to check on their loved ones to make sure that they are fine not only from the infrastructure damage, but this could be a traumatic moment for individuals going through an earthquake.” 

Commissioner Zach Iscol, New York City Emergency Management: I’m pleased to report that there are currently no major impacts or safety events related to this earthquake. We’re asking all New Yorkers to call 311 to report damage or any issues that you’re having.  If you have a life safety issue, please use and call 911 immediately. Preserve 911 for those life safety events.

“While there is a low likelihood that there will be aftershocks, be on the safe side, If you are outside during an aftershock, please move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location.” 

Chancellor David Banks, New York City Public Schools: “At this moment, there is no indication that any of our buildings were compromised.

“We’ve instructed all of our school principals to continue operations and dismissal as normal.. Parents do not need to pick up their child early as a result of today’s earthquake. Additionally, all after-school programs will continue as planned. If conditions change, our schools will communicate directly with families.”

Janno Lieber, CEO, Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA):  I’ve been in touch with the president of all the MTA agencies – Bridges and Tunnels, New York City Transit, Long Island Railroad, and Metro North-”

And, he continued: “The seven bridges operated by MTA have been inspected, and the service on the transit system, all aspects of the transit system, maintain continuously operating safely throughout the incident and has continued right to now” 

According to the USGS, between 11:30 and 14:00 (2 p.m) ranging in magnitude from 1.8 to 2.2, six small aftershocks occurred. No extensive damage to buildings had been detected.

Mayor