NEW YORK (AP) — A series of sudden jolts felt by residents in the boroughs of Astoria and Roosevelt Island on Tuesday left many confounded, leading to theories ranging from small explosions to an earthquake. Firefighters and Con Edison crews were dispatched to investigate the source of the disturbances but found nothing, even after popping manhole covers for hours.
Residents recounted their experiences, with some describing feeling scared and mistaking the tremors for an explosion or a plane crash. The unusual events turned out to be a 1.7 magnitude earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with reports of the quake coming in just before 911 dispatchers were flooded with calls about a boom and shaking buildings.
These low-intensity micro-earthquakes are rarely felt, but the shallow depth of this particular earthquake, about 5 kilometers underground, caused it to be felt in the eastern United States. Seismologists explained that the strong rocks in the region efficiently carried the earthquake waves, making it perceptible to residents in the area.
John Armbruster of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory highlighted that the recent events mirrored a 2.6-magnitude earthquake in 2001, when first responders also conducted searches for hours before considering the possibility of an earthquake. No injuries were reported in either the 2001 or the recent incident.
The New York City metropolitan area is known for its rare and usually imperceptible seismic activities, highlighting the need for continued public awareness and preparedness for such occurrences. The recent earthquake may have evoked fear and confusion among residents, but ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to such natural events.