‘You’re making the ground shake’: Moments of humour as earthquake interrupts UN briefing on Gaza

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck the US state of New Jersey on Friday, causing a brief interruption during a United Nations Security Council meeting in the neighboring New York City.

During the meeting, Janti Soeripto, the President and Chief Executive Officer of “Save the Children” organization, was addressing the council on the situation in Gaza when the tremors were felt at the United Nations building. A video posted by the UN captured the moment, showing Soeripto pausing as the earthquake rattled the room. A fellow member, Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour humorously remarked, “You’re making the ground shake!”

#BREAKING: “You’re making the ground shake!” UN Security Council hears as mid-morning #earthquake interrupts briefing on the situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/1F8TZBHKKu

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) April 5, 2024

The earthquake, with its epicenter in New Jersey, shook New York City but no initial reports of injuries or damage. Social media users across the region, from Philadelphia to New York and eastward along Long Island, reported feeling the quake.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the earthquake’s impact, stating that it was felt throughout the state. She assured the public that her team was assessing any potential impacts or damage and pledged to provide updates throughout the day.

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