Residents of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, were jolted awake on Friday morning as a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck the area, sending shockwaves felt as far as Philadelphia and beyond.
The seismic event, located approximately 4 miles northeast of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, occurred at around 10:23 a.m., according to initial reports from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). With a depth of about 3 miles, the quake’s epicenter stirred widespread concern across the region.
Preliminary details provided by authorities cautioned that the information is subject to change as further assessments are conducted.
While earthquakes of this magnitude are considered minor, the impact reverberated throughout the Northeast, prompting heightened awareness and vigilance among residents. According to data from Penn State University, earthquakes ranging between 4.0 and 4.9 on the Richter scale occur approximately 13,000 times worldwide each year.
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit west of Manhattan and has been felt throughout New York.
My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 5, 2024
The abrupt tremors served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature, urging communities to remain prepared and resilient in the face of seismic activity.
As investigations continue into the aftermath of the earthquake, residents are advised to stay informed and heed any updates or safety precautions issued by local authorities.
