Gov. Chris Christie released the following statement in regards to an earthquake earlier this afternoon:
“An earthquake was experienced on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and felt throughout parts of New Jersey. At this time, no injuries or fatalities have been reported and there are no reports of damage to the state’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, reservoirs, power grids, transit systems and nuclear power plants.
The Governor’s Office is in constant communication regarding the status of the situation with State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes and the Office of Emergency Management team who are managing the event from the Regional Operations Intelligence Center. They are receiving regular updates from the US Geological Survey and are in real time contact with the Governor’s Office.
Trains, buses and light rail are all operating and NJTransit tickets are being cross-honored.
We will remain in touch with other cabinet officials and with the appropriate federal agencies for updates on the situation.”
According to the National Weather Service, an earthquake struck up and down the east coast today at 1:51 p.m. The quake was measured at a 5.9 on the richter scale, according to the weather service.
The service reports that the epicenter was located approximately 34 miles northwest of Richmond, Va. or 87 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.