Residents of Hopewell Valley and beyond were startled by an unexpected seismic event this morning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Hunterdon County, Mercer County, and beyond with its epicenter located northeast of Whitehouse Station on the Ramapo fault. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or damage resulting from the quake.
Area Alert Details
Severity: Moderate (Possible threat to life or property)
Urgency: Immediate (Responsive action should be taken immediately)
Certainty: Observed (Determined to have occurred or to be ongoing)
Category: Geophysical (including landslide)
Event Description: Earthquake
Community Response
The shaking was felt throughout the area, prompting residents to wonder about the cause. Area Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.
Authorities urge residents to remain calm and follow safety guidelines:
– Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency.
– Stay informed through official channels and local news outlets.
Earthquake Risk in Hopewell Township
Hopewell Township has a relatively low earthquake risk. According to the USGS database, there is a 2.59% chance of a major earthquake occurring within 50 kilometers of Hopewell Township in the next 50 years. The largest earthquake within 30 miles of the township was a 3.8 Magnitude event in 2003.
As we continue to monitor the situation, let’s remain vigilant and prepared. While earthquakes are infrequent in our region, it’s essential to be aware of safety measures and stay informed.
Stay safe, Hopewell Valley!
