A 4.8-magnitude quake leaves a lasting impression on NYC influencer, prompts apology to Californians

In an unexpected twist of fate, a New York-based TikToker, Gabriella Lascano, has issued a heartfelt apology to Californians after experiencing the unsettling tremors of a 4.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the East Coast. The quake, centred near Lebanon, New Jersey, rattled a significant portion of the East Coast, marking a rare seismic event for the region and prompting over 152,000 Americans to report their experiences of the shaking to the USGS.

Lascano, an actress, singer, and model known for her vibrant social media presence, shared her epiphany in a video that quickly went viral, amassing over 1.5 million views. In her message, she candidly expressed her newfound empathy for Californians, who are no strangers to the phenomena of earthquakes. “Never in my life have I felt an earthquake…I apologize California, I was terrified,” Lascano confessed, reflecting on the unexpected fear and anxiety that accompanied the tremors.

The earthquake, which occurred at 10:23 a.m. on a Friday, was notably significant for its intensity and widespread impact. It was felt by an estimated 42 million people across 14 states, from Maine to North Carolina, underscoring the unusual nature of such a strong seismic event on the East Coast. The tremor originated along the Ramapo Fault line and has been recorded as the strongest quake to hit New Jersey in 240 years and New York City in 139 years, as reported by FOX Weather.

In her video, Lascano humorously recounted her reaction to the shaking, noting that the toppling of a single candlestick was enough to make her question her safety. “One candlestick fell over and I was ready to hop off of earth,” she said, highlighting the panic that can ensue even from minimal physical damage when one is unaccustomed to earthquakes.

The aftermath of the quake saw the recording of 11 aftershocks, further unsettling residents and reinforcing the rarity of such an event in the region. Experts have reassured that earthquakes are relatively infrequent on the East Coast, providing some solace to those, like Lascano, who found the experience profoundly jarring.

Lascano’s sincere apology and promise never to mock Californians again for their earthquake preparedness and resilience have struck a chord with viewers nationwide, bridging a coast-to-coast understanding and solidarity over the shared human experience of facing natural disasters.

This incident, reported from Los Angeles, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of empathy and preparedness, regardless of one’s geographical location.