At first, the aftershock’s magnitude was reported as 4.0. The initial 4.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck at 10:23 a.m. and was centered between the communities of Whitehouse Station, Califon, and Lebanon, was followed throughout the day by some aftershocks. Philadelphia is roughly 60 miles northeast of that region.
April is National Earthquake Preparedness Month: Let’s Get Ready!
WPVI (Philadelphia earthquake) — Less than eight hours after a powerful aftershock struck northern New Jersey, the Philadelphia region was rocked by another one on Friday.
The United States Geological Survey indicated that the aftershock, which was felt at roughly 6 p.m., had a magnitude of 4.8 earthquake and was located close to Gladstone, New Jersey. At first, the aftershock’s magnitude was reported as 4.0.
There have been several aftershocks throughout the day following the original 4.8 earthquake, which happened around 10:23 a.m. and centered between the towns of Whitehouse Station, Califon, and Lebanon. That area is about 60 miles northeast of Philadelphia.
Aftershocks will continue for days and weeks ahead, the USGS said.
The Friday morning quake startled millions of people in a region of the country unaccustomed to such tremors.
The 4.8 magnitude registered by this earthquake is just below what’s considered to be a moderate quake.
The earthquake had a depth of about three miles, the USGS said.
The agency’s figures indicated that over 42 million people might have felt the rumbling.
There are an estimated 13,000 earthquakes in the 4.0 – 4.9 range worldwide every year, according to a chart from Penn State University.
It originated near the Ramapo Fault Line, which extends from near the Hudson River in southeastern New York to just south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Earthquake rattles New York City, felt in Washington, D.C.
The quake also rattled New York City, but officials there say there have been no major impacts.
The earthquake could be felt as far south as Washington, D.C. and as far north as Maine, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
While there were no immediate reports of serious damage, officials were checking bridges and other major infrastructure.
What causes an earthquake?
Earthquakes are violent shaking from the planet’s surface, according to AccuWeather. They’re caused by movement from Earth’s outermost layer, the crust.
The crust is broken up into pieces called tectonic plates that are always on the move, though usually in ways we cannot feel.
When the plates hit a roadblock, stress builds and leads to cracks in the Earth called faults.
In time, the energy from within builds to the breaking point. That sudden release leads to an earthquake.
The shaking begins at a central region called the epicenter and spreads far and wide. An earthquake can then be followed by additional shaking known as an aftershock.
What to do after an earthquake
Here are some tips for what to do after an earthquake hits:
- First, check on yourself on those around you to make sure everyone is okay.
- Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage
- If any lines are damaged, shut them off if you can
- Be alert for more shaking as aftershocks are common after earthquakes
