Rare Earthquake Shakes New York City and Northeastern U.S.
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Northeastern U.S. on the morning of Apr. 5, catching millions off guard in a region unaccustomed to seismic activity. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the quake’s epicenter in northern New Jersey, approximately 64 km west of New York City, occurring just after 10:20 a.m. at a depth of 4.7 km.
The tremor was felt across hundreds of kilometers, affecting areas far beyond the epicenter and disrupting the day’s routine for millions of residents. Though the earthquake briefly rattled nerves, normal activities resumed shortly with little to no damage reported and minimal impact on transportation services.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the event’s significance at a news conference, describing it as “one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast in the last century.” While authorities reported no injuries, engineering teams inspected the city’s infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, to ensure public safety.
A noticeable aftershock of magnitude 4.0 followed at 5:59 p.m., with no significant damage reported. NYC Mayor Eric Adams addressed the city, advising residents to take precautionary measures during aftershocks by seeking cover under sturdy furniture or beside interior walls.
The quake momentarily interrupted proceedings at the United Nations headquarters in midtown Manhattan as a meeting on the Israel-Gaza conflict transpired. The Palestinian U.N. envoy, Riyad Mansour, sarcastically stated, “You’re making the ground shake,” as the room felt the earthquake’s effects. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily paused flights but resumed normal operations by 12:30 p.m.
This incident marks the most substantial seismic event in New York City since the 5.8 magnitude 2011 Virginia earthquake. Earthquakes in the Eastern U.S. are notably more impactful due to the region’s older, harder bedrock, which allows seismic energy to travel further compared to the geologically younger and fault-ridden Western U.S., according to the USGS.
Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant, reminding them, “New Yorkers are not accustomed to having earthquakes in our state.” In response, NYC Department of Buildings Commissioner James Oddo called the construction professionals to report any damages to the city’s 1.1 million buildings.
This earthquake came days after a strong 7.2 magnitude quake on the other side of the world, shaking Taiwan.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter teen/1713753730/1613367592
1. What happened on Apr. 5? What did the USGS do?
2. What does paragraph 2 say about the tremor and the earthquake's impact?
3. What is said about the United Nations? What thappened there?
4. Why are earthquakes in the Eastern U.S. more impactful?
1. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? What would one be like?
2. What are some ways to respond to an earthquake?
3. What is the role of the United Nations? What are some of its activities?
4. What are some major cities in the U.S.? What can you find there?
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Northeastern U.S. on the morning of Apr. 5, catching millions off guard in a region unaccustomed to seismic activity. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the quake’s epicenter in northern New Jersey, approximately 64 km west of New York City, occurring just after 10:20 a.m. at a depth of 4.7 km.
The quake momentarily interrupted proceedings at the United Nations headquarters in midtown Manhattan as a meeting on the Israel-Gaza conflict transpired. The Palestinian U.N. envoy, Riyad Mansour, sarcastically stated, “You’re making the ground shake,” as the room felt the earthquake’s effects. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily paused flights but resumed normal operations by 12:30 p.m.
