By Isabelle Wilson-
New York and cities along the US East Coast are coming to terms with the aftermath of a rare earthquake that jolted landmarks and fractured roads, leaving residents shaken and authorities on high alert.
The magnitude-4.8 quake, centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, struck at 10:23 local time (15:23 GMT), sending tremors rippling from Pennsylvania to Connecticut. Residents described feeling a violent rumble that tossed objects within their homes and caused damage to walls and infrastructure.
In New York City, iconic structures such as the Statue of Liberty swayed as workers and residents across the five boroughs recounted the unsettling experience.
Jane Coxwell, a lower Manhattan resident, likened the sensation to a passing train, only to realize the unsteadiness while on the ninth floor of a building.
Reports poured in from Brooklyn and the Bronx, where residents described rattling cupboards and fixtures as the quake reverberated through their homes.
Charita Walcott, from the Bronx, likened the sensation to being in a drum circle, feeling vibrations pulsating through the air.
The tremor briefly interrupted proceedings at the UN Security Council headquarters, where a meeting on Gaza was momentarily halted as delegates reacted to the unexpected event.
At JFK Airport in New York and Newark Airport in New Jersey, flights were temporarily grounded as runways underwent inspections to ensure safety.
Despite the dramatic scenes, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York reassured the public that no major damage or injuries had been reported, though the possibility of aftershocks remained.
Governor Hochul emphasized the commencement of a stateswide damage assessment to evaluate the integrity of buildings and infrastructure, highlighting the importance of ensuring public safety in the wake of the quake.
In Union, New Jersey, approximately 35 miles from the epicenter, resident David Scibione recounted how the shaking dislodged objects from rooftops and fractured roads in the vicinity of his home.
Allison Martins captured the unsettling moment on TikTok, documenting the unexpected tremors that rattled her house.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy echoed concerns about safety assessments, particularly regarding the Hudson River tunnels, highlighting the need for vigilance given the age of the infrastructure.