Latest Earthquake Shakes Strait of Georgia, No Damage Reported

A 3.5-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Strait of Georgia early Friday, lightly felt in the Greater Victoria area. This event follows a series of quakes in southwestern British Columbia, with no reported damage from the latest tremor.

An earthquake was recorded on Friday morning in the Strait of Georgia, marking the second seismic event in just over a week to impact the Greater Victoria area and the Lower Mainland. The quake occurred shortly after 2 a.m., registering a magnitude of 3.5. According to Earthquakes Canada, its epicenter was located approximately 18 kilometers west of Delta and east of Ladysmith, at a depth of 65 kilometers. Reports indicate that the tremor was lightly felt by some residents, as documented by both Earthquakes Canada and the U.S. Geological Survey. Fortunately, there were no damages reported, and none are anticipated. Previously, on September 26, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake was detected in Haro Strait at around 4 a.m. This earthquake’s epicenter was situated 11 kilometers east of Sidney and nearly 55 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. Its effects were felt by numerous individuals extending as far north as Nanaimo and Parksville, and southward into Washington state. Just this Wednesday, a stronger quake measuring 4.2 in magnitude struck off the west coast of Vancouver Island, contributing to a series of seismic activities that have occurred in southwestern British Columbia over the past month. Due to its significant distance from land and depth, this event was not anticipated to be felt by the public.

British Columbia, particularly the regions of Greater Victoria and the Lower Mainland, experiences seismic activity relatively frequently. The province is situated near major tectonic plate boundaries, which can result in earthquakes of varying magnitudes. The occurrence of multiple earthquakes in a short timeframe, such as those recently recorded in the Strait of Georgia and Haro Strait, emphasizes the geologically active nature of this area. The monitoring organizations, including Earthquakes Canada and the U.S. Geological Survey, play crucial roles in helping the public stay informed about seismic events, assessing their impacts, and ensuring readiness for potential larger-scale phenomena.

In summary, the recent earthquake in the Strait of Georgia exemplifies the ongoing seismic activity present in southwestern British Columbia. With a magnitude of 3.5 recorded early Friday morning, the quake was lightly felt but caused no damage. This follows a series of quakes, underscoring the importance of monitoring seismic activity in the region. Local residents are reminded to remain informed and prepared for potential future events.

Original Source: www.timescolonist.com