Unusual Earthquake Shakes Queens and Roosevelt Island

Residents in Queens were startled by an uncommon event as a magnitude 1.7 earthquake hit the Astoria neighborhood around 5:45 a.m. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake’s depth at 5 km, with no injuries or significant damage, but some power outages on Roosevelt Island were noted. Despite initial disruptions, New York City officials reassured that all systems were functioning normally by 11:30 a.m.

A rare earthquake, measuring 1.7 magnitude, struck Queens, New York, particularly impacting the Astoria neighborhood at approximately 5:45 a.m. The U.S. Geological Survey indicated a depth of 5 km. Although there were no reports of injuries or severe damage, Roosevelt Island faced some challenges, including power outages in buildings near the Roosevelt Island Bridge and Tram.

Residents shared their experiences, mentioning disrupted elevator services and confusion. Despite this, at 11:30 a.m., New York City officials declared everything to be operating smoothly. Various city agencies, including DOB, FDNY, NYPD, 311, MTA, Con Ed, and National Grid, reported no injuries, transit issues, utility disruptions, or structural stability problems.

While earthquakes are infrequent in New York City, a 2.2 magnitude quake shook Westchester County, just north of the city, last May. Interestingly, on the same morning, the East Coast experienced another quake, a 2.3 magnitude, in Rockville, Maryland, northwest of Washington, D.C., around 1 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported in the Maryland quake.

Residents expressed surprise at the earthquake in Maryland, emphasizing the rarity of such events in the region. This recent seismic activity serves as a reminder that even in areas not traditionally associated with earthquakes, such events can occur.