**Earthquake Shakes New York City and Surrounding Areas** **New York City, October 20, 1985** - A predawn earthquake centered just north of New York City shook parts of five states and southern Canada yesterday, rattling homes and furniture and rousing thousands of residents. The quake, which occurred at 8:00 pm on October 19, 1985, had a magnitude of 5.0 and was felt in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. It was the strongest earthquake to hit the New York City area in over 100 years. Residents reported feeling the quake as a strong jolt, followed by shaking that lasted for several seconds. Many people reported objects falling from shelves and walls. The quake caused minor damage in some areas, including cracked walls and broken windows. However, there were no reports of any injuries. Scientists said that the quake was caused by the movement of a fault in the Earth's crust. The fault is located in the Ramapo Mountains, which run through northern New Jersey and southern New York State. The quake was the latest in a series of earthquakes that have hit the New York City area in recent years. In 2011, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake centered in Virginia shook the city and surrounding areas. In 2014, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake centered in New Jersey caused minor damage in New York City. Scientists say that the New York City area is at risk for future earthquakes. However, they say that the risk is relatively low.
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