Community Corner

UPDATE: Earthquake Causes No Damage or Problems in Long Branch

No evacuations or power outages reported in city

The United States Geological Survey has confirmed that an earthquake has hit Virginia.

The earthquake measured a 5.9 on the Richter scale and could be felt along the Jersey Shore, with many residents of Long Branch and West Long Branch reporting that they experienced it. 

Several residents have reported that they felt their couches and chairs shaking. Others have said their entire homes shook from the force of the quake.

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Long Branch City Clerk Kathy Schmelz said the earthquake was felt in city hall, but that the building was not evacuated.

There were no evacuations reported in the city, and no reports of any damage or injuries.

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The same seemed to be true throughout the city according to a statement from Gov. Chris Christie's office.

"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 release states.

The earthquake was felt as far upstate New York according to those who said they experienced it.

Adam Bober, 25, of Albany, N.Y., said he felt the earthquake while sitting at home at his desk. 

"I felt like I was on a boat, and swaying back and forth," Bober said.

JCP&L reported no power outages in Long Branch.

Reports of cell phone service has been affected due to high call volume. Officials are urging callers to please limit cell phone usage to necessary calls to free up networks and to dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Meteorologists from the Mount Holly office of the National Weather Service said no tsunami warnings have been triggered from the earthquake that occurred in Virginia Tuesday afternoon.

Mitchell Gaines, of the Mount Holly office, said no warnings have been triggered by the 5.9 magnitude quake centered inland Virginia around 1:50 p.m.

Gaines, however declined to say whether a tsunami warning could be in the offing.

"I cannot comment on that at this time,'' Gaines said. "We have not received any tsunami warnings at this time.''

According to United State Geological Survey's web site, "The highest intensity earthquake ever observed in New Jersey occurred on June 1, 1927, in the Asbury Park area."

"Three shocks were felt along the coast from Sandy Hook to Toms River. Maximum intensities of VII were observed at Asbury Park and Long Branch. Several chimneys fell, plaster cracked, and articles were thrown from shelves. The felt area extended over approximately 7,800 square kilometers."

Reporters Catherine Galioto from Toms River Patch and Keith Brown from Wall Patch contributed to this story.  


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