Rare Earth Quake in New York

USA:  New York and cities on the US East Coast are assessing the impact of a rare earthquake that swayed landmarks and cracked roads. The magnitude 4.8 quake struck at 10:23am local time near Lebanon, New Jersey, and could be felt from Pennsylvania to Connecticut.  Residents spoke of being rocked by a violent rumbling that threw objects around their homes and damaged walls.  Officials are now conducting safety assessments of infrastructure.

At least six aftershocks were reported by residents and the United States Geological Survey, including one with a 4.0 magnitude felt around 18:00 local time.  In New York, the Statue of Liberty was seen swaying during the initial earthquake, while workers and residents across the city’s five boroughs reported violent rumbling.  One lady said that she felt a “rattling” like a train passing while she was in a building in lower Manhattan. “Living in New York I have become accustomed to rattling from the subway. That’s what I thought it was.  “Then I realized I was on the ninth floor. It was a bit unsteady for sure. It felt like a passing train.”