Earthquake swarm off Vancouver Island coast prompts concern
Magnitude 6.4 quake part of ongoing activity
Officials closely monitoring situation
An earthquake swarm off the coast of Vancouver Island has prompted concern among officials, who are closely monitoring the situation.
The swarm began on Thursday morning with a magnitude 6.4 quake, which was felt across the island and in parts of mainland British Columbia. Since then, there have been dozens of smaller earthquakes in the area.
Earthquakes Canada says that the swarm is likely caused by the movement of the Juan de Fuca Plate, which is slowly sliding beneath the North American Plate. This process is known as subduction, and it can cause earthquakes as the plates interact.
Officials are concerned that the swarm could lead to a larger earthquake, which could cause significant damage. They are urging residents to be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake and to have an emergency plan in place.
The swarm comes as British Columbia is still recovering from a series of devastating earthquakes that struck the province in the past two years. In 2022, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Haida Gwaii, causing widespread damage to the island. In 2023, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck near Port Hardy, killing two people and causing significant damage to the community.
Experts say that the swarm off the coast of Vancouver Island is a reminder that British Columbia is earthquake country. They urge residents to be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake and to have an emergency plan in place.
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