More than two dozen New Jersey residents return to their homes after earthquake

NEWARK (PIX11) — Alfonso Mann was sitting on the porch of his Seventh Avenue home in Newark on Saturday afternoon.

“A little upset because of what happened,” said Mann.

Full list of quake aftershocks: ‘Top priority is keeping people safe’

He is one of the 28 people who were forced to evacuate Friday from his multi-family houses due to potential earthquake damage.

“I see the police and everybody out here and I had asked the officer what happened he said nobody can go upstairs because is dangerous right now,” he added.

According to city officials, the properties are now deemed safe.

“Initially we did the buildings were determined to be unhabitable because they needed to make sure they were safe, so the families were vacated. The majority are back now.” Stated Luis Ulero, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services.

Some residents decided to stay in their homes last night, others found places to stay through family or friends. 

Few needed additional help.

“My team along with La Casa de Don Pedro and the Red Cross were able to set up a center near 23 Broad Street we brought around 10 residents there for food and toiletries. We placed a total of three dents in emergency shelters,” Informed Ulero.

Mann, who lives on the second floor, claims that the 4.8 earthquake caused this to his residence.

“My wife she can’t walk so they had to get the fire department to get her out of the house, I have my wife at my daughter’s house and I’m here. I just don’t want her here like this. You never know what could happen and she up there by herself and nobody is home.”

It is not confirmed if further inspections will be done for these properties

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