PARAMUS, N.J. — A 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Paramus on Friday afternoon, briefly shaking parts of Bergen County and surprising residents across the region.
The tremor, recorded at 1:02 p.m., was centered 1 kilometer east-southeast of Paramus at a depth of 7.7 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Surrounding towns such as Fair Lawn, Ridgewood, and even parts of Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York reported feeling the quake.
Residents described the shaking as light and fleeting, with many comparing it to the sensation of a passing truck or a brief rumble. Social media users quickly shared their reactions, with some expressing confusion and others posting updates about the earthquake’s confirmed magnitude and location.
Bergen County’s Office of Emergency Management acknowledged the event and urged the public to reserve 911 for emergencies only. No injuries or significant damage have been reported, though officials are monitoring for any aftershocks.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are rare but not unheard of in New Jersey, often catching residents off guard.