A 2.4 magnitude earthquake shook Bergen County, New Jersey, just after 1 p.m. on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake's epicenter was located near Paramus, approximately one mile east-southeast of the area, and struck at a depth of approximately 4.78 miles.
The earthquake, though relatively minor, was felt across Northern New Jersey, with nearly 600 people reporting sensations of shaking as far north as Poughkeepsie, parts of Long Island, and even extending southward to Godwin, North Carolina. Many residents took to social media, expressing confusion and surprise.
“Crazy rumbling just occurred in my area. Maybe an earthquake. North Jersey,” one user posted on X, reflecting the immediate reaction of confusion and curiosity among locals. Similarly, another user recounted, “I thought something just fell off my house,” capturing the bewilderment felt by many.
According to reports, the Glen Rock Police Department confirmed they had no reports of damage or injuries following the quake. The department informed the community via social media, saying, “The USGS has confirmed a M 2.4 earthquake occurred today at or about 1:02 p.m.,” emphasizing the lack of cause for concern.
This seismic event joins the ranks of notable earthquakes affecting New Jersey residents, especially considering the more significant 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded last April, which startled millions and was the strongest quake felt statewide since 1783. The intensity of the April event had caused over 200 aftershocks, affecting areas as far away as New York City.
Seismologists explained the peculiarities of Eastern U.S. earthquakes. Due to the geological makeup of the region, quakes of lower magnitudes can be felt across broader distances compared to their Western counterparts. “Scientists have noted these quakes feel routine to West Coast residents, but smaller quakes still have wide-ranging effects on the East Coast due to its more consolidated ground structure,” said one geologist from the USGS who spoke to local reporters.
Geologists suspect the minor quake may have occurred near the Ramapo Fault, which has been known to generate small seismic events. During interviews, Heather Bognar, from the Glen Rock municipal clerk’s office, described the quake's impact, mentioning it felt like “a very brief boom and quick shake” and added, “Honestly, we thought maybe somebody was up on the roof and there was a loud boom.”
Despite the shock, officials have reported calm. Police departments across the region are continuously urging residents to remain alert and prepared, particularly for potential aftershocks, which are smaller quakes following the main event. They encouraged those who noticed any peculiar natural phenomena or smells, such as gas, to notify authorities immediately.
Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS through its online platform. Such citizen science contributes to the collective data on seismic activities and enhances public awareness of such occurrences.
This recent earthquake also places additional emphasis on the importance of preparedness. The nature of earthquakes is unpredictable, and the local Emergency Management Office has continued to monitor the situation closely.
If you felt the earthquake or have any observations to share, contributing to the USGS Citizen Science initiative is valuable, helping improve the accuracy and coverage of earthquake reports. It also serves to connect the community, turning individual experiences of surprise and alarm during minor quakes like the one today, on display as supportive public awareness.
Overall, the 2.4 magnitude earthquake experienced Friday might have rattled the nerves of many New Jersey residents, but officials maintain there is no need for alarm, as reports indicate minimal disruption and no significant damage across the county.
This is especially reassuring, considering what occurred following the more intense seismic activity recorded nine months earlier, which serves to highlight the somewhat chaotic nature of geological shifts, pushing the importance of remaining prepared, aware, and informed.