The world witnessed its second earthquake within a week. Earlier this week, Taiwan was struck by the strongest earthquake, which caused injuries and massive damage. Fortunately, the second earthquake wasn’t life-threatening but shocking.
Where was the earthquake?
It was in New York City! This answer came as a surprise to many as earthquakes in the eastern coast are not common.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a 4.7-magnitude earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, about 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia on Friday morning. An aftershock of magnitude 4.0 hit right around 6 p.m. The morning earthquake was the strongest recorded in the Northeast in the state’s history.
While, The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre initially measured the quake at 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.
In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake, and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbours.
It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicentre.
People in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and other East Coast regions who are unaccustomed to earthquakes also felt the tremors.
Aftermath of the earthquake
The New York Police Department confirmed that the buildings, bridges and other infrastructure were not damaged and no immediate reports of major destruction or any fatalities.
New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.
In midtown Manhattan, the typical hustle and bustle of traffic intensified as motorists honked horns on momentarily trembling streets.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), flights to the Newark, New York, Kennedy, Philadelphia and Baltimore airports are being temporarily suspended following the earthquake.
Additionally, a Security Council meeting regarding the situation in Gaza was momentarily suspended at the United Nations.
The New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said there had been no reports of major damage or injuries. She warned of aftershocks but said they are normal and not expected to cause further damage.
Deputy Mayor of New York City Fabien Levy stated there have been no significant reports of the earthquake’s effects on the city.
Also, Karine Jean-Pierre took to her X and posted the White House has been informed about the same and is in touch with the local officials. 
While a 4.8-magnitude temblor is not considered a major earthquake, even minor shaking can cause damage on the East Coast, which does not take similar precautions as other earthquake hot spots around the world.
