Today at approximately 10:23 AM, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Tewksbury Township section of Hunterdon County. Township officials reported that two aftershocks occurred with the most recent occurring at 11:50 AM. Following the earthquake, Hunterdon County 911 Communications Center was met with significant call volume and expanded immediately to full staffing to meet the demand.
Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl: “I am grateful for the quick response by our local first responders, Office of Emergency Management, and County staff that have been involved in the ongoing response to the reported earthquake. Thankfully, at this time, there have been no reported injuries or major damage sustained by residents, businesses, and local governments. We will continue to stay in regular contact with municipal officials until all inspections and reporting is finished.”
Damage assessment is underway throughout the county, and there have been some reports of structural issues on private properties. A link has been placed on the county website to capture reports from the public of damage that has occurred. Residents and businesses are advised that they must contact their insurance companies first, but to help county officials track damage, please click here.
The Hunterdon County Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate information and resource needs throughout the community. The EOC is comprised of County departments and divisions and supporting organizations, that are coordinating with municipal offices of emergency management, municipal elected officials, and others at the local level.
County staff have assessed facilities and infrastructure and are reporting that all essential services are operating without interruption. Hunterdon Medical Center has reported there is no damage to their facility and coordination with all utilities that service the county are reporting no present issues.
Additionally, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has inspected bridges connecting New Jersey to Pennsylvania from Hunterdon County with no damage identified.
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is conducting structural assessments on the dams at the Round Valley and Spruce Run Reservoirs. No issues have been reported to County offices as of 12:45 PM. There are local road closures in the area of Round Valley to allow for inspections to safely be conducted.
Residents can refer to the Hunterdon County website and social media channels for specific details and up-to-date information.