Residents of Bergen County, New Jersey, and nearby areas got a late-night scare when a 3.0-magnitude earthquake struck Hasbrouck Heights on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at around 10:18 p.m. EDT. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake, which occurred at a depth of 6 miles (10 km) underground.
While small on the Richter scale, the quake was strong enough to rattle homes across northern New Jersey, New York City, parts of the Lower Hudson Valley, and even western Connecticut. Social media quickly lit up with residents sharing their surprise and asking the same question: “Was that an earthquake?”
👀 How Did Residents React?
People across the region reported a sudden bang followed by a short burst of shaking.
- In Nutley, one resident said, “It felt like a truck hit the house – just two seconds, but strong.”
- In Staten Island, people described furniture vibrating and a strange rumbling sound.
- Even the Empire State Building’s official X account chimed in with a playful post, assuring everyone, “I AM FINE.”
The brief tremor reminded many of the 4.8-magnitude quake that shook the region in April 2024, proving that even small quakes leave a big impression in an area not used to them.
📊 Quick Facts & Statistics
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 3.0 |
| Epicenter | Hasbrouck Heights, Bergen County, NJ |
| Depth | ~6 miles (10 km) |
| Time | 10:18 p.m. EDT, Aug 2, 2025 |
| Areas Affected | NJ, NYC boroughs, Lower Hudson Valley, parts of CT |
| Damage/ Injuries | None reported |
| Regional Quake Frequency | 2–4 small quakes annually (mostly 2.0–3.5 magnitude) |
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
Experts say the quake is linked to ancient fault lines like the Ramapo Fault, which runs across parts of New Jersey and New York. Although the Northeast is not a major seismic zone, small quakes do happen here a few times a year.
According to geologists, quakes of magnitude 3.0 rarely cause damage but are often felt widely, especially in densely populated areas.
Should We Expect Aftershocks?
As of now, no aftershocks have been reported. Emergency services are on alert, but experts reassure that aftershocks from such a small quake are unlikely to be significant.
The Human Side of the Story
For many, the tremor was a moment of panic followed by relief. Parents quickly checked on kids, pets barked and meowed nervously, and neighbors texted each other to confirm what just happened.
One Brooklyn resident wrote online: “My coffee cup rattled, and my dog started barking like crazy. Definitely an earthquake!”
These small but startling events serve as a reminder that nature is unpredictable, even in places where people don’t expect earthquakes.