Jessica Malkis '27
In the early hours of April 5, 2024, New York City experienced a rare and unexpected event. This seismic event left residents and visitors shaken up as they experienced their first major earthquake in NYC since 1884.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 at approximately 10:23 am. While earthquakes are relatively uncommon in this particular region of the world, the impact was mostly felt across the city and in the tri-state area. The tremors were felt for more than 30 seconds and caused buildings to sway, objects to fall, and people to seek safety.
Despite the arousal and drama about the earthquake, it barely left any damage and left NYC residents with a good laugh. Since NYC’s building codes and regulations are strict, most buildings were left undamaged. However, it resulted in reports of cracked walls, broken windows, and minor infrastructure disruptions.
The earthquake served as a wake-up call for residents and the emergency response teams, as a way to make sure that we would be future prepared. It also resulted in promptness of building revolution and plans to secure more infrastructure in the bustling city.
In the face of adversity, New Yorkers once again demonstrated their resilience. Neighbors in their communities came together to make sure everyone was safe and offered assistance and comfort to those in need. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter were flooded with posts and comments about what the residents felt. The event served as a constant reminder that NYC is united and people will always support each other.
The NYC earthquake of 2024 serves as a reminder that every location is prone to natural disasters. While the city is not located at a major fault line, it is still important to be vigilant of the possibility of having another earthquake in the near future.
Without a doubt, the NYC earthquake left an indelible mark on the city, reminding us of the unpredictability that mother nature might place on us. It serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and authorities to always be prepared. Luckily, this earthquake was not major, but served as a shock and worried many. After all, social media took it comedically and had fun in the moment.
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