New York City Mayor Adams is facing criticism on social media for the late emergency text message sent in response to a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the city and surrounding areas. The text message was sent out via the Notify NYC system at 10:47 a.m. EST, about 30 minutes after the earthquake struck. People had turned to social media to confirm that it was indeed an earthquake that had occurred in the area. The earthquake was felt in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with the epicenter located in Lebanon, New Jersey, about 50 miles from New York City.
Social media users were quick to point out the delay in the emergency alert being sent out by the Adams administration, with many criticizing the timing of the message. A follow-up text was sent out at 11:46 a.m. EST warning residents of potential aftershocks. Mayor Adams reassured New Yorkers in a statement that first responders were working to ensure their safety and that there were no major impacts or injuries reported. He advised residents to check on their loved ones and to take precautions in the event of an aftershock by dropping to the floor, covering their head and neck, and taking cover under solid furniture or in a doorway.
The late emergency text message sent by the city administration drew further criticism from social media users, with some questioning the effectiveness of the emergency alert system. Some users sarcastically thanked Mayor Adams and even brought former President Obama into the mix. Despite the delay in the emergency alert, Mayor Adams assured New Yorkers that there were no major life safety issues reported and that critical infrastructure was being inspected to ensure there were no issues. The earthquake, measuring at least 4.8 magnitude, was felt by residents in multiple states in the area.
The earthquake that struck New York City and surrounding areas prompted Mayor Adams to issue a statement urging residents to remain calm and take necessary precautions in the event of aftershocks. While there were no major impacts or injuries reported as a result of the earthquake, first responders were working to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Lebanon, New Jersey, highlighting the need for residents to be prepared for natural disasters even in urban areas. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of checking on loved ones and staying informed during such emergencies.
The late emergency text message sent out by the city’s Notify NYC system has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the alert system and the response time of the Adams administration. Social media users were quick to criticize the timing of the alert, noting that it came 30 minutes after the earthquake had struck. Despite the delay, Mayor Adams reassured residents that there were no major impacts or injuries reported and that first responders were working diligently to ensure the safety of all. The earthquake served as a reminder for residents to be prepared for emergencies and take necessary precautions in the event of future natural disasters.