Nearly 30 Aftershocks Recorded Around NJ Quake Epicenter
The ground continues to shake after Friday’s 4.8-magnitude earthquake in New Jersey, with at least 29 aftershocks recorded in the Garden State. Experts predict a 74% chance of more aftershocks with a magnitude of 3 or higher hitting in the next week.
The rumbles were detected in areas around Whitehouse Station, NJ, the epicenter of Friday’s quake, including near Tewksbury and Bedminster. The smaller temblors hit as far as 13 miles away from the epicenter, with one clocking in at 1.9 just after 1 a.m. Saturday morning.
While there is a chance of additional aftershocks in the coming days, the US Geological Survey does not foresee anything greater than what has already occurred. The incident occurred near the Ramapo Fault, an ancient crack in the Earth’s crust, which is not a common occurrence for New Jersey.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed that there were no reports of major damage to structures, roadways, or infrastructure as a result of the earthquake. However, some residents in Newark were evacuated over concerns about possible structural damage.
The earthquake, the biggest for the tri-state area since 1884, serves as a reminder for East Coast residents to be prepared for such events. New York City officials were criticized for delayed emergency alerts, with some public school alerts not going out until an hour and a half after the quake.
Overall, the aftershocks are expected to continue, but the likelihood of a significant quake in the near future is low. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for any future seismic activity.