New York, US

New York, which sits on the North American Plate and generally experiences fewer seismic events compared to regions along tectonic plate boundaries, was hit by a 4.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday (Apr 5) , as per the US Geological Survey (USGS). 

Advertisment

During the jolts, the New York buildings rattled with the tremors while an alert was also sent to the residents advising them to remain indoors and call 911 in case of any injuries. The people were quite shocked by the earthquake as NYC is not in a quake-prone region. 

According to USGS, the epicentre of the earthquake was near Whitehouse Station in New Jersey. The depth of the epicentre was 5 kilometres, as per the survey. Even as there have been reports of buildings shaking due to quake from Philadelphia north to Boston, there have been no official statements of any kind of injury.   

Also Read | Israeli military sacks 2 over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call

Advertisment

The recording on the Richter scale, as per the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, was of 5.5 magnitude. Reuters citing its reporters on the ground as well as other social media reports, said that the quake was felt across New York City, New Jersey, western Connecticut, and northern Pennsylvania.

Also Read | French girl left in coma after being thrashed by three teenagers

A Bronx resident aged 38, Charita Walcott, described the earthquake as a "violent rumble" lasting nearly 30 seconds.

Advertisment

Watch | US: Donald Trump suffers setbacks as judges reject calls to dismiss charges

×

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said, as reported by news agency Reuters.

White House responds

While House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement on social media platform X wrote, "The President has been briefed on the earthquake, which had an epicentre in New Jersey, and he is in touch with his team who are monitoring potential impacts. The White House is in touch with federal, state, and local officials as we learn more." 

The quake struck the region at around 10:23 am and continued for several seconds. New York Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X, “My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day."

The UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Friday was also interrupted for a short while owing to the quake. 

(With inputs from agencies)