Earthquake Shakes Northern New Jersey and NYC: No Major Damage Reported, Says USGS
Earthquake Rattles Northern New Jersey and New York City, USGS Confirms
New York, NY – August 3, 2025 — A minor earthquake struck the Northeast early Saturday morning, shaking buildings and startling millions across northern New Jersey and New York City. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the seismic activity, which registered a magnitude 3.4, centered near Union County, New Jersey.
Residents across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of the Bronx, as well as Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City, reported feeling light tremors around 4:18 a.m. ET. Many took to social media within minutes, sharing stories of swaying furniture, rattling windows, and pets reacting anxiously.
No Major Damage or Injuries Reported
According to early assessments by local emergency management officials, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or structural damage. Authorities in both New York and New Jersey say emergency services were placed on standby but were not overwhelmed with calls.
The NYC Office of Emergency Management issued a public message urging calm:
“We are aware of seismic activity reported in the region. There are no reports of significant damage. Please only call 911 in case of real emergency.”
Meanwhile, the USGS classified the quake as “light” and explained that the depth of the quake—approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)—helped reduce the potential for destruction, despite its proximity to densely populated areas.
A Rare Event for the Region
While earthquakes are common on the West Coast, they’re relatively rare in the Northeast. Still, experts say the Ramapo Fault Zone, which runs through New Jersey and parts of New York, can occasionally produce noticeable tremors.
Dr. Alicia Monroe, a seismologist at Columbia University, said:
“This isn’t unheard of, but it is a reminder that the East Coast has older fault lines that can still release energy from time to time. A 3.4 quake is typically harmless but definitely felt in high-rise buildings.”
Public Response and Safety Tips
New Yorkers responded as only they can—some with humor, others with concern. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), #NYCQuake and #JerseyShake quickly began trending.
Authorities reminded residents:
- Do not use elevators immediately after a quake.
- Be aware of aftershocks, though none have been recorded yet.
- Have a basic emergency preparedness kit at home.
Final Word
While this morning’s earthquake served as a startling wake-up call for many, experts agree that it caused no major damage and serves more as a reminder to be prepared for natural events—even in places where they’re uncommon.
The USGS will continue to monitor for potential aftershocks in the coming hours. Residents are encouraged to report any structural damage to local authorities and to stay updated via official emergency channels.
Meta Description: A mild earthquake rattled New York City and Northern New Jersey, shaking buildings and startling residents. USGS confirms seismic activity, with no serious damage or injuries reported.
Tags: #EarthquakeNYC #NewJerseyQuake #USGS #NYCNews #EastCoastEarthquake #BreakingNews
