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A minor earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.0 rattled northern New Jersey late Saturday, sending tremors across New York City and prompting officials to issue safety advisories. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake originated near Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, at 10:18 p.m. local time, approximately six miles below the surface. While no injuries or structural damage were reported, residents in Manhattan, the Bronx, and surrounding areas reported noticeable shaking, a rare occurrence for the region.

New York City Emergency Management urged residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks in the hours or days following the event. “Be prepared for possible aftershocks,” the agency stated on social media, advising individuals to inspect homes and workplaces for displaced objects or hazards. Officials clarified that no immediate protective measures were required but emphasized ongoing coordination with emergency teams to monitor the situation.

The USGS noted that earthquakes of this scale, though uncommon in the densely populated New York metropolitan area, are unlikely to cause significant harm. However, the agency warned that shaking from even minor tremors can be amplified by urban infrastructure, urging caution. Residents shared accounts of brief but unmistakable vibrations, with some mistaking the event for passing heavy machinery.

The incident occurred days after a far more powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the northwestern Pacific on July 30. That deep-sea quake, one of the strongest globally this year, triggered tsunami alerts and evacuations across Pacific coastal regions. It also reportedly awakened multiple volcanoes, including a once-dormant one inactive for over five centuries. Despite its intensity, no major damage or casualties were linked to the Kamchatka event.

Seismologists highlight that while the two quakes occurred within days of each other, they are unrelated geographically or tectonically. The New Jersey tremor serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of seismic activity, even in regions not traditionally associated with earthquakes. Authorities continue to assess risks and encourage preparedness, underscoring the importance of emergency readiness in urban environments.