According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), on August 2, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m. Eastern Time, a magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck Hasbrouck Heights in Bergen County, New Jersey. The mild earthquake, centered about 6 miles below the surface near Teterboro Airport, shook North Jersey, New York City, and parts of Westchester County and Connecticut. Residents felt mild shaking in Jersey City, Newark, the Bronx, and parts of Long Island, but no injuries or major damage were reported.
Earthquake Details and Impacts
- Magnitude and Epicenter: The earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter Scale, considered a minor earthquake. The epicenter was located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, a densely populated area of Bergen County, about 8 miles west of Central Park in New York City. Due to the shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 mi), seismic waves were felt across a wide area.
- Felt area: The earthquake was felt throughout the New York metropolitan area, with some reports of tremors being felt as far as 60 miles from the epicenter. Social media posts by residents of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island confirmed mild shaking, although no major disturbances were reported.
- Damage and response: Local authorities, including the Bergen County Sheriff's Department and New York City Emergency Management, did not report any significant damage or injuries. Residents are advised to check for minor disturbances such as dislodged objects or cracks and to contact 311 for non-emergency assistance or 911 for emergencies.
Rare but Real: A Look at Earthquakes in the Northeast
The earthquake on August 2, 2025 follows a pattern of rare but notable seismic activity in the northeastern United States, where earthquakes are rare due to its location away from tectonic plate boundaries. The USGS says such "intraplate" earthquakes, though rare, could be caused by the reactivation of ancient faults, such as the Ramapo Fault Zone that stretches from Pennsylvania to New York.
- Recent History: Earlier in 2025, a magnitude 2.4 earthquake struck Bergen County near Paramus and River Edge on January 24, and a magnitude 1.6 earthquake struck near Morris Plains in July. These events were minor and no damage was reported.
- Notable Past Event: The most significant recent earthquake in the region was a magnitude 4.8 earthquake on April 5, 2024, with its epicenter in Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. An estimated 42 million people in the Northeast felt it, and it caused minor damage, including cracks in buildings and a sinkhole in Huntington, New York. The August 2025 earthquake is not considered an aftershock of this event due to the distance between the epicenters.
Understanding Earthquake Intensity
The Richter scale and the Modified Mercalli intensity scale help measure the strength and impact of an earthquake:
- Magnitude 3.0: Usually felt near the epicenter, but rarely causes damage. About 500,000 earthquakes of this magnitude occur worldwide each year.
- Felt intensity: The August 2 earthquake was rated mild (IV) on the Mercalli scale, causing notable shaking of indoor objects but no significant structural damage.
- Earthquakes in the eastern US: Seismic waves travel farther in the east because of older, denser rock formations, making even small earthquakes feel more widespread than on the West Coast.
Safety tips during an earthquake
If you're in New Jersey, New York City, or nearby areas, follow these USGS-recommended safety measures:
- Drop, Cover, Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Stay indoors: Avoid running outside, as falling debris can pose a risk.
- Check for hazards: After the shaking stops, check for gas leaks, cracks or dislodged objects. If necessary, report damage to local authorities at 311 or 911.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on updates from the USGS or local news for post-earthquake warnings.
More Than a Rumble: Why Earthquakes in New Jersey and New York Matter
Although New Jersey and New York are not as seismically active as areas like California, the high population density magnifies the impact of even small earthquakes. The Ramapo Fault Zone and newly identified faults, such as the one associated with the 2024 Tewksbury earthquake, highlight the need to prepare. Research is ongoing to map these faults to better predict future events.
Be alert for potential aftershocks that have a 12% chance of reaching magnitude 3.0 or greater in the week following the August 2 event.
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