Massive Earthquake Rocks Long Island and New York City Area
Rare Magnitude 4.8 Quake Causes Widespread Shaking
Residents Report Rattling Buildings and Desks
A powerful magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Long Island and the New York City metropolitan area on Friday morning, sending shockwaves through buildings and desks in a rare event for the region. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 10:20 am with an epicenter approximately 45 miles west of New York City, near Lebanon, New Jersey.
The earthquake, which registered according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, was felt across a wide swath of the region, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Residents reported shaking buildings, swaying furniture, and rattling windows. Some schools and businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement expressing concern and urging residents to stay informed about aftershocks. "I am monitoring the situation closely and have directed state agencies to provide assistance as needed," she said. "We are grateful that there have been no reports of serious injuries or major damage at this time."
Multiple aftershocks were also reported throughout the day, including a magnitude 2.3 earthquake around 6 pm that rattled homes in Port Washington, Long Island. The USGS has advised residents to be prepared for additional aftershocks in the coming days or weeks.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are rare in the New York City area, which is situated away from major fault lines. The last significant earthquake to hit the region was a magnitude 5.8 quake in 1884 that caused widespread damage.
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