4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New Jersey In United States, Tremors Felt In New York City

New York City experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday, with the epicenter in New Jersey. No injuries or major damage were reported.

New York City experienced a minor earthquake on Friday, registering a magnitude of 4.8, with its epicentre located in neighbouring New Jersey, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Residents in Brooklyn reported feeling the quake, with buildings shaking and cupboard doors rattling, according to an AFP correspondent.

At the United Nations headquarters in New York, a Security Council meeting discussing the situation in Gaza was briefly interrupted due to the tremor.

Janti Soeripto, a representative from Save the Children, expressed surprise, asking, "Is that an earthquake?" during her speech at the UN.

Social media users from Philadelphia to New York and along Long Island shared their experiences of feeling the earthquake. The iconic Empire State Building reassured its followers on X account, stating, "I AM FINE."

According to the USGS, the earthquake's epicentre was near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, occurring just after 10:20 a.m. ET at a depth of 4.7 kilometres (2.9 miles).

Indian Consulate In New York In Touch With Diaspora Members

The Consulate General of India in New York stated that it is in touch with members of the Indian diaspora. "No Indian national or member of diaspora is reported hurt so far. Any member of the Indian, US community affected by the earthquake may please DM us or write to us on madad.newyork@mea.gov.in," it posted.

Tremours In New York Like A Violent Rumble, Local Says

Charita Walcott, a resident in the Bronx borough, described the tremor as "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so." She likened the sensation to "being in a drum circle, that vibration", as reported by news agency Reuters.

At the UN, Save the Children CEO paused addressing the Security Council as cameras began to shake. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour joked, "You're making the ground shake."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed airlines of expected flight delays and diversions due to the earthquake. The Holland Tunnel, a major Hudson River crossing, was temporarily closed for inspection. Governors of New York and New Jersey announced emergency responses, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams received briefings, with no immediate reports of major impacts.

Friday's tremor evoked memories of the 2011 earthquake in Virginia, reminding residents of the potential seismic activity in the region.