A string of earthquakes shook the northeast of the country this Friday, from New York to Philadelphia. There were two earthquakes with an epicenter in New Jersey. The first one which took place around noon was a magnitude 4.8. The other, which took place in the afternoon, was a magnitude 3.8, but it was initially recorded as a 4.0. According to the United States Geological Survey, 179,672 people reported feeling the first earthquake and 11,875 felt the second. A 2.0 magnitude aftershock was also reported later in the day in Bedminster, New Jersey. It was followed by other 2.0 and 1.8 aftershocks.
EarthCam captured the moment a 4.8-magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning. The earthquake was the strongest in NJ since 1884. pic.twitter.com/cKXmXqmxtW
— EarthCam (@EarthCam) April 5, 2024
New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported that no "significant damage" had occurred, but that state authorities were still analyzing critical infrastructure:
A 4.0 magnitude aftershock from this morning’s earthquake in New Jersey just occurred.
We are continuing to review critical infrastructure and there are no reports of significant damage at this time.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 5, 2024
"This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century," the governor also said after the first earthquake. "We have not felt the magnitude of an earthquake since about 2011." In the last 300 years, at least three magnitude 5 earthquakes have been felt in the region and "several of magnitude 4," according to the Geological Survey. After all, the United States is a "country of earthquakes."
The governor warned after the first tremor about possible aftershocks, a warning that experts also emphasized this Saturday. Geological Survey research structural engineer Kishor S. Jaiswal even claimed that aftershocks are likely to continue "for several days and even a week," in statements reported by The New York Times.
"This is not something that's high on the list of what you're expecting," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy told ABC. New Jersey, like other state and local governments in the affected areas, said it was investigating whether structural damage had occurred. Transportation services reported that they were also analyzing the impact of the earthquakes, in some cases announcing delays, and asked people to look out for updates.
Rail service system-wide is operating on or close to schedule in both directions with residual delays to trains already enroute due to bridge inspections following an earlier earthquake.
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) April 5, 2024
As of 11:05 a.m. ET, due to the 4.8 earthquake in New Jersey, Amtrak has initiated its track inspection protocol. Speed restrictions have been implemented throughout the Northeast until all inspections are completed.
— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) April 5, 2024
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake in New Jersey may impact some air traffic facilities in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Air traffic operations are resuming as quickly as possible. For real-time air traffic updates please see: https://t.co/smgdqJN3td.
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) April 5, 2024
⚠️PATCO SERVICE SUSPENDED
Due to the earthquake in our area, all PATCO service is suspended at this time. Crews will inspect the integrity of the line out of an abundance of caution. Once inspection is complete, service will resume. No timeframe. Updates to follow.— PATCO (@RidePATCO) April 5, 2024
What to do in an earthquake?
The infrequency of earthquakes in the region led authorities to offer some basic recommendations on how to act when one does occur. "If you feel shaking, drop, cover, and hold on!" People need to get down and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk, and hold on to it firmly until the ground stops shaking.
People were also asked not to leave buildings and to stay away from windows, mirrors, skylights and any furniture that could fall over.
The University of Washington's emergency preparedness department also warns that doorways are not safe, despite popular belief:
In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house, and the doorway does not protect you from the most likely source of injury- falling or flying objects. You also may not be able to brace yourself in the door during strong shaking. You are safer under a table.
Those outside should look for clear areas, away from "away from buildings, trees, signs, streetlights, and utility wires."
The authorities also reminded people that they can call 911. They asked people to look after their neighbors and family.
You should expect aftershocks following an earthquake. Follow these tips to stay safe:
🔹 Drop, Cover and Hold On!
🔹 Avoid damaged structures.
🔹 If in a damaged building, go outside and move away from it.Learn more tips: https://t.co/MNGBNvnPzY pic.twitter.com/0WFrVMbgCB
— FEMA (@fema) April 5, 2024
