A magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit New York and New Jersey on Friday, the United States Geological Survey said. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre estimated the magnitude at 5.5.
The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Meanwhile, a Sputnik correspondent reported that the UN Security Council meeting on Friday was briefly interrupted due to an earthquake.
“The earthquake was felt throughout the United Nations headquarters building but no damage or disruption has been reported,” UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told Sputnik, commenting on the UNHQ following the incident.
Russian Consulate Visitors in NY Temporarily Evacuated Amid Earthquake - Consul General
The visitors of the Russian Consulate located in New York were temporarily taken outside of the premises due to a short-term earthquake in the New York area, Russian Consul General in New York Alexander Zakharov told Sputnik.
"We temporarily asked visitors of the Consulate General to leave the building. Now, if there is no second wave, we expect that we will be able to resume work," Zakharov said.
According to Zakharov, an assessment remains to be made to determine whether the building was damaged.
No Life Threatening Situations - New York Governor
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Friday that state authorities have not identified any life threatening situations in the area after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the northeast coast of the United States earlier in the day.
"At this point ... we have not identified any life threatening situations," Hochul said during a press conference.
Another state official said they have no reports of damage in the state at this time due to the earthquake.
She also added that the John F. Kennedy and the Newark international airports "are on full ground stops to assess any potential for after effects."
No Reports of Structural Damage or Disruptions to NY Transportation - NYPD
No structural damage or service disruptions to the New York public transportation have been reported in the wake of an earthquake, New York City Police Department Chief of Transit Michael Kemper said on Friday.
"Was briefed by my team in regard to the earthquake," Kemper wrote on X (former Twitter). "There are no current reports of any structural damage and/or service disruptions to the NYC Transit system as a result."
Early Assessments Show No Damage to Statue of Liberty After Earthquake - Parks Department
Preliminary assessments show there is no damage to the Statue of Liberty after a 4.8 earthquake struck New York and New Jersey, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation told Sputnik.
"Early assessments showing no damage on Liberty or Ellis Islands," the department said.
Biden Briefed on Earthquake - White House
"The President has been briefed on the earthquake, which had an epicenter in New Jersey, and he is in touch with his team who are monitoring potential impacts. The White House is in touch with federal, state, and local officials as we learn more," White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre said in a social media post.
The White House in a separate follow-up statement said Biden discussed the earthquake with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and assured that his administration is coordinating with state and local officials to offer assistance as necessary.
Chances of Aftershocks After Earthquake Remain Low - NYC Emergency Management
The chances of aftershocks following the earthquake in New York are low, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said on Friday.
"The likelihood of aftershocks remains low but we do remain vigilant," Iscol said during a press conference.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams said during the press conference that as of now there have been no reports of major impacts to infrastructure or injuries, however, the authorities are still assessing the situation.