An earthquake measuring 4.0 on Richter scale struck near Victoria early this morning at approximately 4:05 am today. The earthquake’s epicentre was located about 18 kilometres northeast of Victoria, near Saanichton, at a depth of 52 kilometres.
Residents in parts of Greater Victoria and surrounding areas, including Vancouver, reported feeling light tremors. Despite some shaking, there have been no reports of damage or injuries, and authorities do not expect any.
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.
Drop, Cover and Hold On
When you feel the ground shake or receive an alert, immediately:
- Drop to your hands and knees. If you’re inside, stay inside – don’t run outdoors or to other rooms
- Cover your head and neck with your arm and take shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture. If there is no shelter nearby, crawl to the nearest interior corner or wall while continuing to protect your head and neck
- Hold On to your shelter, covering your head and neck until the shaking stops
