Image courtesy: CTV News
A powerful earthquake rattled homes across B.C.’s South Coast on Friday afternoon, and experts warn that aftershocks may continue for days.
The quake struck just before 1:30 p.m., sending tremors through Vancouver, Whistler, and Vancouver Island. According to preliminary reports, it measured magnitude 5.1 and hit a remote area of the Sunshine Coast at a depth of just one kilometre.
This is the strongest land-based earthquake in the region in years, said Natural Resources Canada.
Widespread Tremors Felt
Many residents reported feeling their homes shake. Those in high-rise buildings noticed swaying movements.
Seismologist John Cassidy explained that shallow earthquakes like this one cause more intense shaking than deeper ones. “We have them offshore all the time,” he said. “But it’s been at least a decade since we’ve had an earthquake of this magnitude beneath land, and felt by so many people.”
Since shallow earthquakes produce stronger tremors, aftershocks are likely.
“They might continue for days or even a week,” Cassidy said. “This is very common after a shallow earthquake in our region.”
Safety Inspections Underway
Following the quake, Vancouver city officials ordered immediate inspections of bridges. Structural engineers checked for any damage to ensure public safety.
BC Ferries also halted operations at Horseshoe Bay and Langdale terminals for infrastructure inspections.
Emergency Alerts and Reactions
The earthquake’s epicenter was about 27 kilometres northeast of Sechelt and 65 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.
Many people felt intense shaking. Some even noticed unusual animal behavior before the tremors began.
Bill Forbes, who lives near Qualicum Beach, said his cats sensed the quake moments before it hit. “They made this really strange meow,” he said. “Their hair stood up, and then our home started shaking.”
Forbes described the tremors coming in three distinct waves. After the third wave, he received an emergency alert on his phone telling him to “drop, cover, and hold on.”
However, some B.C. residents received the alert late, while others didn’t get it at all.
“Something might not be working,” Forbes said.
No Tsunami or Damage Reported
Officials confirmed there is no tsunami risk. No major property damage has been reported.
Still, the quake left many people shaken, including Vancouver city councillor Rebecca Bligh.
With aftershocks expected, experts advise residents to stay alert.
