4.8 earthquake shakes New York

On a seemingly ordinary day in New York City, chaos erupted as a 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the bustling metropolis. The ground trembled, buildings swayed, and people ran into the streets in panic. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the vulnerability of even the most advanced urban centers.

The earthquake left behind a trail of destruction, with cracked sidewalks, shattered windows, and structural damage to some buildings. Thankfully, there were no reports of serious injuries or fatalities, but the scare was enough to send shockwaves through the city.

As of around 12 p.m., no injuries had been reported in the city’s schools, and officials had received no indication that any school buildings were compromised, according to the city’s Education Department.

Schools across the city were continuing operations as normal following the 10:23 a.m. incident, officials said.

Many schools sent messages to families Friday morning, assuring them that students remained safe. At some schools, recess was moved inside, as a city emergency alert advised residents to remain indoors. (A later alert warned aftershocks may be felt, but said New Yorkers could continue usual activities.)

At a press conference with other city agencies, schools Chancellor David Banks said he was attending an event at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts when the earthquake struck.

People on microblogging sites (it wasn’t just X — I see you, Bluesky) had already determined the scope of the earthquake, confirmed it was, in fact, an earthquake, and began posting jokes about the situation before the less chronically online people even realized what happened.

Friday’s earthquake may come as a literal and metaphorical shock for East Coasters, but bigger ones have happened in the region before, like a 5.3 magnitude in 1884. In the near term, the region may feel aftershocks for days or months. Longer term, it’s only a matter of time before an even bigger earthquake hits. “It's not impossible, it's just uncommon,” says Kolawole. “And it does signal the potential for a larger magnitude earthquake within this region.”

In the aftermath of the quake, emergency response teams sprang into action, assessing damage and ensuring public safety. The event served as a wake-up call for residents and officials alike to be prepared for future natural disasters.

As New Yorkers picked up the pieces and resumed their daily lives, they were reminded that Mother Nature is always capable of shaking things up when least expected.

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Sarah H

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