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The Garden State is in the midst of assessing the fallout from the 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Lebanon, Hunterdon County, that sent shockwaves across the tri-state area and beyond, reaching as far as Pennsylvania and Boston.
Despite the widespread concern, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has reported minimal immediate damage from the quake. "So far, so good," commented Murphy, indicating that there have been only limited reports of damage within the state. In response to the event, the governor's office has been in close communication with officials in Lebanon and has received a call from the White House offering assistance if necessary.
Governor Murphy has urged residents throughout the state to inspect their homes and offices for any signs of damage and to report their findings. "Call it in," he advised, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the aftermath of the quake.
This morning's earthquake, described by Stephen Holler, a seismologist with Fordham University, as "pretty rare for the area," has sparked interest and concern among both the public and scientific community. According to Holler, despite the tri-state area's long history of geological inactivity, fault lines do exist, running through Manhattan among other locations. However, these fault lines have remained dormant, unlike those on the West Coast, which are more prone to seismic activity.
The U.S. Geological Survey pinpointed the epicenter of the quake 8 miles northeast of Bridgewater, New Jersey, making it one of the more notable earthquakes in the region's recent history. It is considered the third-strongest earthquake to strike New Jersey, according to CNN's analysis of US Geological Survey data. The occurrence has led to warnings about potential aftershocks, smaller seismic events that can follow the initial quake. Indeed, three aftershocks were reported near the epicenter, highlighting the need for continued caution.