On Tuesday morning, residents of Queens and Roosevelt Island experienced an unexpected event as parts of the city were shaken by what was initially thought to be an explosion.
Officials later confirmed that the disturbance, which caused buildings to shake and emit a loud bang, was, in fact, a 1.7 magnitude earthquake. This rare seismic event prompted a swift response from emergency services, leading to a temporary disruption in the city.
FDNY Responds to Reports of Building Shaking and Loud Noise on Roosevelt Island
Around 5:45 am, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) received reports of buildings shaking and a loud noise at 580 Main Street, located south of the Tram line on Roosevelt Island. Initial suspicions pointed towards an explosion, possibly related to a transformer.
However, an investigation conducted by ConEdison, FDNY, and the New York Police Department (NYPD) revealed no damage, outages, or explosions linked to any equipment, as reported by Gothamist.
Contrary to initial assumptions, the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the event was a small earthquake, centered in Astoria, Queens. The seismic activity reached a depth of 3.1 miles (5m) and was felt by residents in Queens, Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side, and Long Island City.
Given the rarity of earthquakes in New York City, the initial reports led residents and first responders to believe that the disturbance was caused by an explosion.
A fleet of FDNY and NYPD quickly responded to the scene, with footage uploaded to Citizen capturing the urgency of the situation. The city’s emergency notification system advised commuters to expect road closures and delays during the investigative efforts.
By mid-morning, officials from various agencies, including the FDNY, MTA, ConEd, National Grid, and the Department of Buildings (DOB), reported no injuries, no impact on traffic, transit, or utility services, and no structural stability issues.
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New York City Earthquake Reassurance
New York City Emergency Management reassured the public that preliminary reports indicated no life safety concerns or issues.
The surprising episode of a 1.7 magnitude earthquake shaking parts of New York City serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of natural events, even in urban environments.
While the initial confusion sparked emergency responses, the incident ultimately showcased the efficiency of New York City’s emergency services in managing and resolving unusual occurrences.
As residents resume their daily routines, the rare earthquake serves as a unique moment in the city’s seismic history.
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