**Rare Earthquake Shakes New Jersey and New York** A rare earthquake centered in Virginia rattled parts of New Jersey and New York on Tuesday. The quake, which had a magnitude of 5.8, was felt as far away as Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The earthquake is the strongest to hit the region since 2011, when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake centered near Mineral, Virginia, caused widespread shaking and damage. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 1:51 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 23, 2023. The epicenter was located about 5 miles west of Mineral, Virginia, and about 50 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The quake was felt throughout the eastern United States, from Maine to Georgia. In New Jersey, the shaking was particularly strong in the northern part of the state, including areas around Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. However, the quake caused some minor disruptions, including power outages and traffic delays. Scientists are still studying the earthquake to determine its exact cause. However, they say that it is likely related to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The earthquake is a reminder that even though the eastern United States is not considered to be a seismically active region, earthquakes can still occur. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of future earthquakes and know what to do if an earthquake strikes.
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