At least three earthquakes strike off the B.C. coast; no tsunami threat
At least three earthquakes rattled the ocean floor off Vancouver Island on Thursday
It’s been an active morning off the western coast of Vancouver Island where at least three earthquakes rattled the ocean floor early Thursday.
Earthquakes Canada's website reported the initial tremor striking approximately 183 km southwest of Port Alice Village at a 6.4 magnitude, followed by a 4.3-magnitude quake 194 km from Port Alice at 8:35 a.m. Shortly after, at 9:17 a.m., a third tremor initially measuring at 4.9 magnitude was reported 166 km south-southwest of Port Alice.
Officials reported no tsunami threat associated with any of Thursday’s quakes, though the stronger tremor was reported to have been "lightly felt on Vancouver Island", according to Earthquakes Canada.
Graphic shows location of the 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck approximately 183 km SW of Port Alice, BC., on July 11, 2024. (Source: Earthquakes Canada)
Thursday’s earthquakes unfolded between the Juan de Fuca and Pacific plates, in one of the most tectonically active regions in North America.
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Last week, at least eight earthquakes were recorded within a range of about 150 to 250 kilometres west of Tofino. Seven of the eight earthquakes occurred around 10 km below the seafloor, most of which measured between magnitude 4.3 and magnitude 4.6. The epicentres were far enough offshore that nobody felt the shaking on land.
Folks who live along the coast are always advised to remain prepared for earthquakes no matter where or when they may strike.