A rare 4.8-magnitude earthquake recently rocked New York City, causing damage to a public school building that houses J.H.S. 218 James P. Sinnott and School for Classics High School. The gymnasium was left with large cracks that were deemed unsafe by city officials. The building will remain off-limits until repairs can be made, as inspectors found vertical and step-shaped cracks that could potentially dislodge bricks. However, the rest of the school building was deemed safe, allowing for school activities to continue as normal.
The Department of Education quickly responded to the situation, with the Department of Buildings issuing a partial vacate order for the gym until repairs can be completed. They assured the public that the repairs would not take long and were being done out of caution. The safety of students and staff was a top priority, with officials confirming that the rest of the school facility was safe to use. Families were updated directly on the situation, ensuring that everyone was informed about the status of the building.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 and was centered near Lebanon, NJ, around 10:23 a.m. It was felt by around 42 million people on the East Coast, making it the strongest earthquake to strike near New York City in 140 years. Following the quake, the NYC Department of Buildings received about 80 reports of earthquake-related damage, primarily from Manhattan and the Bronx. Fortunately, building inspectors found no major damages or collapses after investigating the reports, although they did observe cracks in a few locations.
In response to the earthquake, the Department of Buildings added extra engineering and inspection staff over the weekend to respond to any new reports of damage. DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant in the coming days and weeks, as there could be potential downstream possibilities of further damage. New Yorkers were encouraged to report any problematic issues they encountered, such as cracks or retaining walls, by calling 311. The last earthquake with a magnitude close to 5 that struck near New York City was in 1884, making this recent earthquake a significant event for the area.
The impact of the earthquake extended beyond New York City, with reports of damage in Manhattan and the Bronx. However, no major damages or collapses were reported, and the Department of Buildings ensured that proper inspections and repairs were being conducted to address any issues. The earthquake reminded residents to stay alert for any potential future damages that may manifest in the coming days or weeks. Despite the rare occurrence of earthquakes in the region, officials were prepared to address any concerns and ensure the safety of the public. The earthquake served as a reminder to always be prepared for unexpected natural events and to report any signs of damage to the appropriate authorities promptly.
