Unusual Earthquake Rattles New York and Beyond

A rare earthquake shook the US East Coast today, leaving New York and neighboring cities assessing the aftermath. The magnitude-4.8 quake, centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, caused buildings to sway and roads to crack across a wide area, from Pennsylvania to Connecticut.

Residents described feeling a violent rumbling that threw objects around their homes and damaged walls. In New York City, landmarks like the Statue of Liberty swayed, and workers and residents reported feeling the ground shake violently.

While some likened the sensation to a passing train, others described it as a violent rumble lasting about 30 seconds. The earthquake even interrupted a UN Security Council meeting temporarily.

Although there were no reports of major damage or injuries, officials are conducting safety assessments of infrastructure, including airports and tunnels. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned of possible aftershocks but assured that they are normal and unlikely to cause further damage.

This earthquake serves as a reminder that seismic activity can occur unexpectedly, even in areas not typically associated with earthquakes. While the East Coast has experienced earthquakes before, they remain rare occurrences, leaving residents shaken but ultimately unharmed.