No damage was reported after an earthquake shook parts of Vancouver Island and British Columbia's Lower Mainland on Thursday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the magnitude 4.0 quake struck shortly after 4 a.m. in the Haro Strait between the Saanich Peninsula and San Juan Island. The USGS estimated the quake struck at a dept of 52 kilometres and did not trigger a tsunami alert.

Earthquakes Canada says hundreds of residents in Greater Victoria and Vancouver reported feeling the shaking, while hundreds more reported it to U.S. authorities. Many people in B.C. and Washington state took to social media shortly after the quake hit, with some saying it jolted them out of bed.

Early Warning System

Last month, the federal and provincial governments announced that an early detection system had been activated in B.C. to provide a few seconds of notice ahead of potentially damaging earthquake tremors. When a strong enough earthquake is detected, alerts will be transmitted automatically to British Columbians via cellphones, radio and televisions, officials said. The warning system is expected to be expanded later this year to parts of Quebec and Ontario.

Public Safety and Preparedness

The public is asked to follow earthquake safety protocols, urging people to “drop, cover, and hold on” if further tremors occur. Earthquakes can’t be predicted, though the Canadian Earthquake Early Warning system can provide seconds to tens of seconds of warning by detecting an earthquake immediately after it occurs. The temblor comes three weeks before the Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill on Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m. The annual event encourages people to drop, cover and hold on as practise in case of an earthquake. The province's earthquake guide says that if an earthquake hits while you are in bed, you should hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow or blanket. Most injuries occur when people try to run for cover. More information on earthquake preparedness and what to do in case of a quake is available through the province's earthquake and tsunami preparedness guide. The Capital Regional District also has information on earthquakes, as do many local governments.

Aftermath and Impact

Despite the shaking, there were no reports of damage or injuries. The earthquake was felt in parts of Greater Victoria, Duncan, Cowichan Lake, and Ladysmith, as well as in the Vancouver area and Washington state. Earthquakes Canada received reports from people who felt the tremor as far north on the Island as Nanaimo and Parksville. The quake was initially reported as a magnitude-4.1, according the U.S. Geological Survey, but that was later adjusted to 4.0 by the U.S. agency. Earthquakes Canada reported it as magnitude-3.8 and almost 55 kilometres deep. John Cassidy, a seismologist with Environment Canada, said those deep quakes are the most common type of damaging earthquake. He explained that even those very near to the epicentre were still 55 kilometres away, and therefore, the shaking was relatively mild. He added that a magnitude 6.8 to 7 earthquake would be “one thousand times” the shaking.

A Reminder to Be Prepared

Cassidy believes Thursday’s earthquake was a one-off and not part of a larger string of quakes. But, he reiterates that it is a good reminder to be ready for anything. “It’s a really good reminder for us to be prepared and check those emergency kits.” He also stated that this earthquake serves as a reminder that British Columbia is in an earthquake zone, with small earthquakes occurring every day, earthquakes that are felt every month or so, and larger ones that cause some damage every decade or so.

A Time for Reflection

This event highlights the importance of earthquake preparedness in British Columbia. While the recent earthquake was relatively minor, it serves as a potent reminder that we must be prepared for the possibility of larger, more damaging events in the future. The recent activation of the early warning system is a significant step in enhancing public safety, but it is crucial for individuals and communities to be informed, proactive, and prepared. The need for a comprehensive earthquake preparedness plan for British Columbia is more vital than ever, and this event serves as a timely catalyst to prioritize it.