A rare 4.8-magnitude earthquake rocked New York City, causing large cracks in the gymnasium of a public school building shared by J.H.S. 218 James P. Sinnott and the School for Classics High School in East New York. As a result, the gym was deemed unsafe by city officials who inspected the property after the earthquake. The inspectors found “vertical and step-shaped” cracks in the building, with bricks near the cracks at risk of becoming dislodged. The gym remains off-limits until repairs are completed, while the Department of Education assured that all school activities would continue as the rest of the building was deemed safe.
Following the earthquake, the Department of Buildings quickly inspected the school building and issued a partial vacate order for the gym until repairs could be made, which were not expected to take long. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution, with the Department of Buildings confirming that the rest of the school was safe for use. Families were assured that they would be updated directly on any developments regarding the situation. The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, struck near Lebanon, NJ, and was felt by an estimated 42 million people on the East Coast, making it the strongest temblor to hit near the city in 140 years.
The NYC Department of Buildings received about 80 reports of earthquake-related damage following the quake, with most reports coming from Manhattan and the Bronx. Building inspectors found cracks in a few locations but no major damages or collapses. In response to the reports, the department added extra engineering and inspection staff over the weekend to be prepared for any new reports that may surface. DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo emphasized the importance of vigilance in the coming days and weeks, urging New Yorkers to report any problematic signs such as cracks, retaining walls, or other issues that may arise as a result of the earthquake.
The last time an earthquake with a magnitude close to 5 struck near New York City was in 1884, with the epicenter believed to have been centered in Brooklyn. A stronger 5.8 quake was felt in the city in 2011, originating in Virginia. Friday’s temblor was the strongest earthquake to hit New Jersey in 240 years, according to the Fox Forecast Center. The USGS confirmed that this earthquake was among the strongest in the region’s recent history, prompting city officials to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of affected buildings and the people who use them. Residents were encouraged to report any signs of damage or problems to the Department of Buildings for further investigation and potential repairs.
