Earthquake on the US East Coast - felt in New York
Noam Bertling,
Emelie Svensson
Updated 19.16 | Published 16.37
A minor earthquake occurred on the east coast of the United States on Friday.
- It is not that common with this type of earthquake on the eastern side, says Björn Lund, lecturer in seismology at Uppsala University.
The earthquake occurred at 16.25 Swedish time and reached a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter scale.
Residents of New York have heard "thunderous noises", felt the ground shake and houses shake.
Photo: U.S. Geological Survey Via AP
According to the fire department in New York, there are no reports that anyone was injured in the earthquake.
- At the moment we have no reports of any more serious effects, says Fabien Levy, press spokesperson for New York City in a press conference.
"Feeled like the whole house was shaking"
4.8 is not a strong earthquake, according to the Richter scale it is unlikely that such a quake will cause any major damage.
Seismologist Björn Lund. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT
- There may be cracks in facades, but it must be really bad buildings if they are to collapse, says Björn Lund.
But the experience among the shaking skyscrapers of New York was intense. Something Aftonbladet's reporter Emelie Svensson got to experience.
- It felt like the whole house was shaking. It was like sitting in a boat. Immediately all the neighbors rushed out, she says.
The epicenter of the earthquake must have been in the state of New Jersey, reports the New York Times. But it must have been felt from Philadelphia to Boston.
- Many have reported that their house shook, but we haven't heard much about house damage or injured people so far, says Emelie Svensson.
Earthquakes are unusual in New York. Aftonbladet's reporter on the spot was shaken after the experience. Photo: Aftonbladet
The warning: Stay home
The emergency services have urged people to stay at home. This was done by sending an alarm to the residents' mobile phones.
A warning was sent out to New Yorkers. 1 / 2Photo: Yuki Iwamura / AP
The New York Times reports that departures are halted at several airports on the East Coast.
The city's mayor, Eric Adams, says there may be aftershocks, but that New Yorkers should "go about their day as normal."
- Since the earthquake was a bit inland, there is no danger for the cities now, but they will probably go out to check bridges and such, says Björn Lund.
Photo: Usgs
The last time a similar earthquake occurred on the US East Coast was in 2011. The quake had a magnitude of 5.9. The epicenter of the quake was near Richmond, Virginia.
FACTS
Richter scale
Micro: Less than 2.0
Does not feel.
Very small: 2.0–2.9
Doesn't feel normal, but registers. Less: 3.0-3.9
Often felt, but rarely causes damage. Light: 4.0–4.9
Perceptible shaking of indoor objects, shaking noise. Major damage unlikely.
Average: 5.0–5.9
Can cause greater damage to poorly constructed buildings over smaller regions. Usually only minor damage to well-constructed buildings.
Strong: 6.0–6.9
Can be devastating in populated areas up to approximately 1.6 miles in extent.
Larger: 7.0–7.9
Can cause serious damage over large areas.
Large: 8.0–8.9
Can cause very serious damage in areas over 1.6-2.2 miles in extent.
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