Community Corner
Earthquake Rattles Summit and Surrounding Towns
The US Geological Survey has confirmed that a 5.9 magnitude earthquake occurred at 1:51 p.m. today 35 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.
Summit and surrounding towns were rattled by an earthquake this afternoon as residents felt shaking that carried on for long enough to cause a panic.
The US Geological Survey has confirmed that a 5.9 magnitude earthquake occurred at 1:51 p.m. today 35 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. Aftershocks were reported in Virginia about an hour afterward.
Tremors from the quake were felt in Summit and surrounding towns.
Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I was in my basement writing when the walls began to move," said resident Peter Newcomb. "Felt completely disoriented—total loss of equilibrium. When I felt the shaking, I knew right away—I have been through two earthquakes in LA. I ran upstairs to find my daughter, who said the mirror in the bathroom was banging against the wall. We ran outside to find our neighbors all standing in front of their houses comparing notes. Yes, Kent Place Boulevard got rattled!"
The city put emergency services on alert as soon as reports came in.
Find out what's happening in Summitwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We sent out a code red to residents and businesses to alert them to the fact that what they were feeling was due to the earthquake in Virginia,” said Rita McNany, communications director for the city. “We have first responders standing by.”
The city has not received reports of any injuries or other emergencies.
"I was home in my office, my chair started shaking and moving," said resident Vicki Lederman. "Some rulers I have hanging on the wall were swaying, and then I could feel the whole floor shaking and the books in my bookcases were jostled. Lasted about five seconds, though it felt like it went on longer."
Residents are urged to check their local and regional news outlets.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, New Jersey ranks low on the list of states at risk for experiencing an earthquake.
"Earthquake hazards are measured as the likelihood of experiencing earthquake shaking of various intensities," according to FEMA's website. Northern New Jersey is put in a category that's described as "having a hazard shaking of moderate intensity," which could be felt by all and could lead to slight damage.
