US Earthquakes Today (August 6, 2025): California & New Jersey Tremors – Full Report & Safety Tips
📌 Overview
On August 5 and 6, 2025, multiple minor earthquakes rattled parts of Southern California and the New York–New Jersey area, spurring public interest and questions. Here’s the latest: what happened, why it matters, and what experts are saying.
🗺️ Key Earthquake Events
Southern California – Two Magnitude 3.5 Quakes
- Two nearly back‑to‑back earthquakes, both magnitude 3.5, struck just southeast of Ontario, California, early on August 6 local time, at depths of ~4 miles (~6 km).
- Shaking was reported across Riverside and San Bernardino, with residents feeling mild tremors. No injuries or damage were reported.
New Jersey — Magnitude 2.7 Near Hillsdale
- On August 5 at approximately 12:11 p.m. ET, a 2.7‑magnitude quake struck near Hillsdale, Bergen County, at about 7–8 miles (~12 km) depth.
- Felt across New York City, parts of Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley, it prompted nearly 300 felt‑reports to USGS. No damage was reported.
Previous New Jersey Event – Magnitude 3.0
- Just three days earlier, on August 2 at 10:18 p.m. ET, a magnitude 3.0 quake struck near Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, about 6 miles deep (~10 km), affecting NYC and Connecticut.
🔍 Why These Are Newsworthy 🌐
- Back‑to‑back seismic events in the East Coast area are unusual, drawing attention from residents and scientists alike.
- According to geology experts, these may reflect aftershocks or moderate intraplate activity along the Ramapo Fault zone.
- Seismic models suggest that a 5.2 magnitude quake centered near NYC could cause catastrophic damage due to aging infrastructure and density, but scientists confirm that small tremors don't signal a major quake is imminent.
🧠 Expert Analysis & Context
- Columbia University’s Dr. James Davis and Rutgers’s Dr. Kenneth Miller emphasize a low risk of a strong earthquake, stating that the Ramapo Fault is unlikely to produce events above magnitude 6, and that most NYC structures can withstand up to magnitude 6.5.
- While recent quakes represent increased activity, experts stress that this doesn't mean a major event is on the horizon—they’re more like a brief rainy spell, not a storm cycle .
📊 Recent Quake Activity at a Glance
| Date | Magnitude | Location | Felt Areas | Damage Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2, 2025 | 3.0 | Hasbrouck Heights, NJ | NYC, CT, North NJ | None |
| Aug 5, 2025 | 2.7 | Hillsdale, NJ | NYC, Hudson Valley, CT | None |
| Aug 6, 2025 | 3.5 × 2 | Ontario, CA | Riverside, San Bernardino | None |
✅ Safety Tips: What to Do If You Feel a Tremor
- Stay calm—minor earthquakes rarely cause damage.
- If indoors during shaking, drop, cover, and hold on.
- Check for hazards afterward: shifted furniture, cracks in walls, fallen items.
- Stay informed through official sources: USGS, local emergency agencies, and verified media outlets.
🌟 Closing Thoughts
These earthquakes are minor and not unexpected in either region—yet their clustering over the same week has put seismic activity in the spotlight. While nobody is predicting a major event, it’s a healthy reminder that preparedness matters—even in places not typically associated with earthquakes. As Dr. Davis put it: you shouldn't live in fear—but you should live in awareness.
.png&w=256&q=75)