A 2.4-magnitude earthquake rattled parts of Paramus, New Jersey, on Friday afternoon, with residents feeling light shaking as far away as New York City and Connecticut. The earthquake, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) just after 1 p.m., struck at a depth of about 7.7 kilometers (4.7 miles) and has drawn attention to the seismic activity level in the region.
According to the USGS, the earthquake’s epicenter was located near Paramus, Bergen County, approximately 17 miles north of Manhattan. Reports indicated over 740 residents felt the tremors, sharing their experiences through social media and local forums.
“I felt it in my house. I’m in Westchester County!!! I thought it was my washer cause I put in a fat quilt,” recounted one Instagram user who responded to the news of the earthquake, as reported by PIX11. Many others took to community platforms to share similar experiences. Carmen Molina, who lives about 20 minutes from the epicenter, described how at first, she mistook the shaking for the sound of a large truck passing by. “But then my neighbors started texting each other, sharing reports via Ring cameras and Bergen County Facebook groups,” she added.
Local meteorologist Orelon Sidney noted, “Quakes are not common in this area, but they do happen and can be quite strong.” This remark echoes sentiments from scientists who have studied the geological behavior of the region, which was once covered by glaciers. Some researchers propose the ground is still adjusting or rebounding from the massive weight of ancient ice sheets—a theory aptly named glacial rebound.
Emergency services, including the Glen Rock Police and the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management, confirmed they were investigating reports of the earthquake. “Please call 9-1-1 to report emergencies only. No reports of serious damage have been reported at this time. We will continue to monitor this situation and issue alerts as warranted,” officials stated on social media. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damages have been noted so far.
The mayor of Paramus, Christopher DiPiazza, shared his own experience of the tremor. “The house shook. I looked outside my window, I thought a tractor-trailer drove through my house, my neighbor's house. It really shook!” he said, relieved to see no damage resulting from the quake.
This recent earthquake follows another seismic event from April 2024, when a 4.8-magnitude quake struck the area. That quake was felt by approximately 42 million people, extending its reach to New York City, Boston, and even Philadelphia. At the time, researchers noted the peculiar behavior of the April quake, as it managed to shake buildings hard without causing expected damage at its epicenter. Such phenomena have raised questions about future earthquake risks, with experts highlighting the peculiar ways seismic waves can travel across distances.
Residents across New Jersey shared their anecdotes—some mentioning hearing loud booms alongside the shaking. “Did anyone just hear a loud boom? That shook their entire house?” asked one local resident on The Bergen County Mom Facebook page. Responses flooded the comments, with multiple residents confirming they had felt similar disturbances.
While the latest earthquake may not have caused serious damage or injuries, its occurrence has undoubtedly startled local communities still on edge following the notable quake last spring. Earthquakes may be rare for New Jersey and the greater New York City area, but this small scale occurrence serves as a reminder of the geological volatility underlying the region.
This latest earthquake has sparked discussions around geological preparedness and awareness, as residents reminisce about where they were during these unexpected seismic events. Given the historic nature of earthquakes along the East Coast, it is perhaps prudent for residents to remain informed about geological activity and emergency preparedness measures.
Earthquakes are not just phenomena confined to areas synonymous with seismic activity, such as California; they can and do occur across diverse regions, often leaving people startled and confused. The Paramus earthquake serves as another example of how residents can find themselves caught off guard, and even provokes thought about why and how such events could happen.
Overall, Saturday’s event is still developing, and updates may follow as officials continue to monitor the situation closely.