Second Earthquake Strikes New Jersey Within One Day
On Friday, New Jersey was rattled by yet another earthquake, this time measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale, striking at 5:59 PM local time. The quake’s epicenter, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), was recorded at a depth of 9 kilometers.
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey promptly took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform residents about the aftershock and urged them to adhere to emergency protocols. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary calls to emergency services to prevent overburdening them.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State echoed Murphy’s sentiments, stating that there were no significant damages reported and that critical infrastructure was being reviewed for any potential impacts.
ANI reported that the epicenter of the aftershock was located 7.4 miles northwest of Bridgewater, slightly crossing into Somerset County.
Prior to this aftershock, a smaller one measuring magnitude 2.0 occurred in Bedminster, New Jersey at 11:20 AM on the same day. This series of seismic activities follows a notable earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 that shook New Jersey on April 5th.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided detailed information on the April 5th earthquake, stating that it struck 7 km north-northeast of Whitehouse Station. The earthquake occurred at 7:53:20 PM (UTC) with a depth of 116.5 km. The epicenter was precisely located at 40.683°N latitude and 74.753°W longitude.
In response to the seismic activities, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a cautionary statement, warning that the earthquake might impact air traffic in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. However, they reassured the public that air traffic operations were resuming as swiftly as possible to minimize disruptions.
Despite the magnitude of the earthquakes, the New York Police Department confirmed that there were no reports of damages or injuries resulting from the natural disasters. This provided a sense of relief to residents and authorities alike, alleviating concerns about potential harm to individuals or infrastructure.
The successive earthquakes underscored the importance of preparedness and response measures in regions prone to seismic activities. Both state and federal authorities have been vigilant in monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. As aftershocks continue to occur, it remains crucial for residents to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and remain vigilant in the face of potential seismic risks.
