Monday Morning Earthquake Shakes Greater Victoria Awake
A Monday morning earthquake jolted residents of Greater Victoria awake just after 5 a.m., creating a moment of alarm across the region. The Greater Victoria earthquake registered a magnitude of 4.1 and occurred 10 kilometers east of Orcas Island, Washington, about 42 kilometers east of Sidney, at a depth of 17 kilometers, according to Earthquakes Canada.
Initially, the quake was reported as a magnitude 4.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey and 4.6 by Earthquakes Canada. Such discrepancies are common in the initial earthquake news updates, as automated programs first calculate the magnitude, which is later refined by seismologists.
Despite the tremors, there was no tsunami threat, according to the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center.
Victoria Seismic Activity Increasing?
Environment Canada seismologist John Cassidy, who resides in Cordova Bay, reported feeling the tremors lasting around 10 seconds. He explained that the Victoria seismic activity originated from a relatively shallow depth within the North American plates.
While Vancouver Island is an active seismic zone, the frequency of noticeable earthquakes in recent weeks is unusual, Cassidy noted. “We’ve had four earthquakes felt in Victoria in the past couple of weeks, which is quite rare,” he said. “This Monday morning earthquake was slightly stronger than the usual tremors that go unnoticed.”
However, he reassured that the recent earthquake shakes Victoria events do not necessarily indicate a major quake is imminent.
Recent Earthquakes in British Columbia
This quake comes just ten days after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. That tremor was felt widely across Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, and even as far as Prince George, nearly 800 kilometers away.
The latest Greater Victoria earthquake was reported as far north as Courtenay and as far south as Tacoma, Washington, affecting Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage. Cassidy stated, “This magnitude is slightly below the threshold where structural damage is typically expected, but it was certainly strong enough to be widely felt.”
According to Cassidy, significant damage usually occurs when an earthquake reaches magnitude 5 or higher, as each increase in magnitude represents ten times more power.
Community Reactions and Reports
Within minutes, hundreds of residents submitted earthquake news updates to the U.S. Geological Survey and Earthquakes Canada. Most described the tremors as weak or light shaking. Many pet owners reported their animals waking up and reacting to the shaking, with some dogs appearing frightened.
Residents across Greater Victoria shared their experiences. Victoria author Jean Paetkau said it was the strongest Monday morning earthquake she had ever felt in James Bay. Elaine Roker of Langford said, “My heart is still pounding.” Others described hearing a deep rumbling sound that lasted longer than previous quakes.
Online forums, including Reddit, saw multiple reports from people who were woken up abruptly. Some long-time Vancouver Island residents remarked that this was the first earthquake shakes Victoria event they had personally felt.
Seismic Alerts and Preparedness
Ocean Networks Canada’s seismic monitoring system detected the Greater Victoria earthquake before the tremors hit. Vancouver-based subscribers received an 11-second warning, though Victoria’s proximity to the epicenter meant there was no advance notice for residents.
With Victoria seismic activity remaining high, Shakeout BC advises residents to prepare for future quakes. In case of an earthquake:
- Drop to the ground before the shaking intensifies.
- Take cover under a sturdy table or against an interior wall to protect your head and neck.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
Residents are also advised to avoid standing in doorways and refrain from rushing outside, as falling debris can pose significant dangers.
Final Thoughts
While the Monday morning earthquake startled many, experts emphasize that Victoria’s seismic activity is a reminder of the region’s earthquake-prone nature. Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference in ensuring safety during future seismic events.
