"East Coast Earthquake Impact: From New York City to Philadelphia and Beyond"

New York City's skyscrapers, including iconic structures like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, are built with enough flexibility and strength to withstand moderate earthquakes. Engineering experts explain that skyscrapers are designed to sway slowly and slightly, making them less susceptible to ground-shaking action compared to shorter structures. Even the oldest skyscrapers are constructed with high-strength materials to withstand gravitational loads, and modern high-rises have dampers on their roofs to absorb shock from extreme events. Despite the low probability of earthquakes in New York, engineers design for all potential risks, ensuring that skyscrapers can withstand earthquakes of 6.5 magnitude and larger.