by Sabrina Henriquez

On April 5, 2024, at 10:23 AM, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred one mile from Tewksbury, New Jersey and shook the U.S. East Coast, impacting New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other locations. Later that day, the East Coast had a 4.0 magnitude aftershock around 6 p.m. EST. 

Around 10:23 AM, people felt strong shaking, and many wondered what the earthquake could have been at first—maybe nearby construction work or a boiler explosion? Reporters say the morning earthquake was the strongest recorded in the Northeast in over a decade, according to USGS records. The earthquake startled many people; however, there were no immediate reports of major destruction from the earthquake or the aftershock. Most students and teachers were in school when the earthquake hit, and most felt it; however, the majority of those who were standing may not have felt it. During an earthquake, people are advised to protect their heads and necks and take cover under a piece of furniture or in a door frame. 

It was a rare occurrence, yet the April 5th earthquake made many people realize that natural disasters could happen at any time.