Donald Trump‘s New Jersey golf course was rocked by a 2.0 magnitude aftershock from the 4.8 earthquake that shook the Northeast on Friday morning, with residents warning tremors could last a week.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, about 50 miles west of New York City at 10.23am and was felt by more than 42 million people.
The Trump National Golf Club Bedminster is less than seven miles from the epicenter of the quake and was rocked by an aftershock hours later – it is unclear if the club sustained any damage.
There are no initial reports of threats to life across the Northeast but the USGS said there is a 46 percent likelihood of another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 or higher to hit in the next week.
Gov Kathy Hochul gave an update shortly before noon saying: ‘This is one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast to occur in the last century.’
She said her office is in contact with all the relevant agencies to oversee any damage and structural integrity concerns and that the White House has offered aid.
The Fire Department of New York said there were no initial reports of damage and there have been no reported injuries so far, but the FAA has ordered ground stops at John F Kennedy and Newark International airports.
Trump frequents his New Jersey golf club, which he purchased in 2002, and it was even nicknamed the ‘Summer White House’ during his presidency because of how often he stayed there.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: ‘All of us have felt in some way or another the earthquake that hit our city around 10.23am, we felt the impact of this 4.7 magnitude earthquake.
‘This is a developing situation, we are always concerned about aftershocks after an earthquake.
‘First responders are working to make sure the city is safe. Earthquakes don’t happen everyday in New York so this can be extremely traumatic.’
He added: ‘Our preliminary reports do not indicate major life safety or infrastructure issues from the earthquake. We are performing thorough inspections of critical areas.
‘I encourage New Yorkers to check on their loved ones to see that they are fine. Not only for the infrastructure situation, but because this is can be extremely traumatic.’
People in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for around 20 seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.
Social media users have shared posts about the earthquake, also felt in New Jersey, Virginia and Philadelphia.
In a video from a New Jersey a dog sits up suddenly, seconds before the rooms shakes violently with belongings falling over.
In midtown Manhattan, the usual cacophony of traffic grew louder as motorists blared their horns on momentarily shuddering streets.
Some Brooklyn residents heard a booming sound and their building shaking. In an apartment house in Manhattan’s East Village, a resident from more earthquake-prone California calmed nervous neighbors.
New York state governor Kathy Hochul said: ‘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.’
Officials have not identified any life-threatening situations but have asked law enforcement teams to be on alert.
Hochul added: ‘We’re going to continue to take this seriously. Everyone should continue to take this seriously, if there is an aftershock people are encouraged to take cover and cover their necks.’
‘Please stay away from buildings, specially our high rises.’
President Biden has been briefed on the earthquake, per the White House.
