New Jersey, USA: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake

Matthew 24:6-13 "End Times"

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Unprecedented Seismic Activity in New Jersey: Over 50 Aftershocks Recorded, More Expected

The state of New Jersey recently experienced a significant seismic event, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that was perceptible hundreds of miles away. For some residents in the tri-state area, it was their first experience of the ground shaking beneath them. Not long after, a 4.0 magnitude aftershock struck the same region, once again reverberating throughout the area.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has reported that over 50 aftershocks have been detected since the initial quake that rattled the tri-state area last Friday. In an effort to gather more comprehensive data on these aftershocks, the USGS is deploying ‘aftershock kits’ in the affected area. These kits, eight in total, will be set up this week to monitor the origin, duration, and intensity of the aftershocks.

Since the initial quake on April 5, the aftershocks have varied in magnitude from 1.3 to 3.8. The USGS predicts a 12% chance of an aftershock of magnitude 3 or larger occurring in the next week, and a mere 1% chance of an aftershock of magnitude 4 or larger. A 2.6-magnitude aftershock was notably felt across northern New Jersey on Wednesday.

While earthquakes are not a common occurrence in the eastern U.S., when they do happen, their impact is often felt more strongly and over a larger area compared to quakes in the western part of the country. This could be attributed to the older rock formations in the eastern U.S., as per the USGS.

The USGS emphasizes the importance of studying aftershocks to better prepare for future seismic events. However, they also note that it is currently impossible to predict specific details about future earthquakes.

Sarah McBride, a representative from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, stated in a press release, “No one can predict the exact time, location, or place of any earthquake.”