New York City Mayor Adams’ administration’s delayed emergency text message in response to this morning’s 4.8 magnitude earthquake has been ripped online.
The city sent an emergency text to residents through the Notify NYC system at 10:47 a.m. ET, informing them of the earthquake.
“Emergency Alert. A magnitude 4.7 earthquake has occurred in the New York City area. Residents are advised to stay indoors and call 911 if injured,” it read. A link to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) was also provided.
Emergency text message after New York City earthquake (Michael Dorgan)
4.8 magnitude earthquake hits New Jersey, shaking buildings in surrounding states
But the message arrived about 25 minutes after the quake struck, during which time people were rushing to social media to find out if it really had hit the Big Apple.
The quake measured at least 4.8 on the Richter scale, according to the USGS. It was felt in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey and occurred at 10:23 a.m. ET.
“New York City issued an earthquake emergency alert 30 minutes after the earthquake occurred, at the peak of the New York City Adams administration,” user Vish Bra wrote on X.
“New York City officials didn’t issue an earthquake warning until 35 minutes after it happened. Mayor Adams was always aware of the situation here,” another user, Janine Michelle Barone, wrote on the platform.
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Mayor Eric Adams’ slow response was ridiculed online. (AP Photo/Eduardo Muñoz Alvarez)
“We received an emergency alert regarding the earthquake that occurred 20 minutes ago! Good luck Eric Adams and Mr. Obama!” user YankeesPride chimed in.
“So much for the emergency alert system?!” user John Adams wrote.
A follow-up text was sent at 11:46 a.m. ET warning of possible aftershocks.
The second text reads, “Earthquake in New York City: Aftershocks may be felt. New York residents can continue normal activities,” with a link to the USGS.
“At approximately 10:23 a.m., New York City felt the effects of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake,” Adams said in a statement.
The map shows the location of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, which the U.S. Geological Survey reported was the epicenter of the magnitude 4.8 earthquake. (Fox News)
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“The epicenter was in Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 80 miles from New York City. Our first responders are working to keep New Yorkers safe and there are no reports of major impacts or injuries at this time.”
“We encourage all New Yorkers to check on their loved ones, and if you feel aftershocks, get to the floor, cover your head and neck, and seek shelter under sturdy furniture, next to an interior wall, or indoors. doorway.”
“So far, no serious life safety issues have been reported, and no infrastructure issues have been reported, but inspections of critical infrastructure will continue.”
FOX News’ Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
