Parts of New York City and Long Island felt reverberations. 4.8 magnitude earthquake typically causes minor damage, but aftershocks can occur.
RAMAPO, NY – The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 4.8 magnitude earthquake has hit near Lebanon, New Jersey. The quake was felt across the tri-state area, including many parts of Rockland County, NY.
Various Rockland-based agencies reported:
- Orange & Rockland – teams have been dispatched to perform infrastructure assessments. O&R has fixed a gas leak that was reported and the cause is still unconfirmed.
- VEOLIA – teams have been dispatched to perform infrastructure assessments.
- NYS Parks Dept – teams have been dispatched to perform infrastructure assessments.
- Indian Point – teams have been dispatched to perform infrastructure assessments.
- Health Care Facilities – being canvassed, so far, no reported damages.
- Highway Depts. – being canvassed, so far, no reported damages.
- Police Chiefs – being canvassed, so far, no reported damages.
- Fire Chiefs – being canvassed, so far, no reported damages.
- Supervisors and Mayors Offices – being canvassed, so far, no reported damages.
- Metro North – teams have been dispatched to perform infrastructure assessments, so far no reported damages.
- New York Thruway Authority – teams have been dispatched to perform infrastructure assessments on Thruway and Tappan Zee Bridge.
- Natural Gas Transmission Lines are being assessed.
- Water Treatment and Sewer Treatment are being assessed.
County Executive of Rockland Ed Day stated in a press release:
The earthquake hit at approximately 10:30 a.m. with the epicenter believed to be in New Jersey, and was felt in Albany, through the Lower Hudson Valley, and New York City.
So far there are no reports of any damage, but the County is still assessing the impact and working with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory research center and the State of New York to gather more information and will publicize as appropriate. As aftershocks are common following earthquakes, residents are advised to stay alert and be prepared for any further seismic activity.
In Clarkstown, Supervisor George Hoehmann wrote on his Facebook profile:
“There are no reports of any damage within the Town of Clarkstown. I visited dispatch and call volume was dramatically higher with many residents calling the police. I am informed that cell phone service was briefly impacted as the number of calls in the region was so high that many calls were dropped or not able to be completed. We were informed this resolved in a few minutes.
As a precaution we have dispatched DEFM staff to check on critical infrastructure including sewer pump stations, dams and spillways. Our emergency management team is monitoring the situation closely. Our fire inspectors and building staff will be checking various locations within the town to insure no damage occurred. We will post other information if warranted.”
Every year, approximately a half million earthquakes of 5.0-or-less magnitude are reported by the United States Geological Survey. According to one chart, these earthquakes are typically felt, but minimal damage occurs as a result. Aftershocks are a concern, typically within 24-48 hours of the original event, and can reach up to 3.0 magnitude.
| Magnitude | Earthquake Effects | Estimated Number Each Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 or less | Usually not felt, but can be recorded by seismograph. | Millions |
| 2.5 to 5.4 | Often felt, but only causes minor damage. | 500,000 |
| 5.5 to 6.0 | Slight damage to buildings and other structures. | 350 |
| 6.1 to 6.9 | May cause a lot of damage in very populated areas. | 100 |
| 7.0 to 7.9 | Major earthquake. Serious damage. | 10-15 |
| 8.0 or greater | Great earthquake. Can totally destroy communities near the epicenter. | One every year or two |
This story is being updated as information becomes available. For specific scientific data regarding this earthquake, visit the United States Geological Survey website.