A magnitude 3.0 earthquake surprised thousands of residents across New York City and eastern New Jersey on the night of Saturday, August 2, causing brief concern but no injuries or structural damage. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, and occurred at exactly 10:18 p.m. local time.
Although the quake was relatively weak, it was clearly felt in various parts of the New York metropolitan area, including neighborhoods such as Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Riverdale, where some residents reported a light tremor or a loud rumbling noise, comparing it to the sound of a truck crashing into a building.
The New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) confirmed that there were no reports of damage to infrastructure or disruptions to public services. Despite the mild magnitude, the event sparked a wave of reactions on social media, including a humorous post from the official Empire State Building account, which simply said: “I AM FINE.”
Are earthquakes common in this region?
While not as seismically active as the West Coast, the northeastern United States does occasionally experience small earthquakes. New York and New Jersey are near the Ramapo Fault, which has produced minor quakes in the past. However, these tremors are usually of low intensity and rarely cause significant damage.
Experts note that while uncommon, such seismic events serve as reminders of the importance of having alert systems and emergency plans in place. For now, authorities advise the public to remain calm, as no major aftershocks are expected.
