US: Rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake hits New York, interrupts UNSC meeting

A meeting of the UN Security Council was briefly interrupted as a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the New York area Friday morning.

The UN diplomats were in the Security Council chamber for a meeting on the situation in Gaza.

Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children US, was making a point about the sufferings of the women and children in Gaza when the tremors were felt in the room.

The United States Geological Survey said the 4.8 magnitude hit seven kilometres north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Its impact was felt across New York City and other areas in the state.

The New York Police Department said there were no damages or injuries reported.

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit west of Manhattan and has been felt throughout New York. My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said in a post on X.

The New York City Fire Department said the quake hit about 10:30 a.m., with the department receiving reports of shaking buildings.

We are responding to calls and evaluating structural stability, the department said in a statement. There are no major incidents at this time.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is also being briefed on the situation.

Deputy Mayor for communications in the Mayor's Office Fabien Levy said that while there are no reports of major impacts at this time, we're still assessing the impact.

The White House is in touch with federal, state, and local officials as we learn more, she said.