The earthquake strike off Nootka was a 60th seismic event that took place in the past months and the largest up to date.
Earthquake of 4.2 Magnitude
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vancouver Island and is the largest recorded in the series of earthquakes that took place during the past months. It was 8.35am when it took place at a depth of 10Km. A 2.6 magnitude was recorded afterwards at 1.25pm at a depth of 33 kilometres about 27 kilometres southwest of Tahsis.
Seismologist John Cassidy with Natural Resources Canada stated that earthquakes expected to be fairly a common occurrence in the Nooktka Zone. During the past 20 years 128 earthquakes of 4.2 magnitudes recorded.
According to Natural Resources Canada the explorer plates move at differing speeds. The Fuca Plates moves every year 4.5 centimetres closer.
No damages have resulted from the earthquake as per yet or no tsunami warnings recorded. So far no reports of public feeling the quake reported due to their deep remote location.
The National Public Alerting system has sent out alerts which will appear on TV and Cell phones. An earthquake of a 5.0 magnitude is expected to bring damage.
Conclusion
Small earthquakes expected in the region in the coming days. Larger ones warned to cause significant damage. The public remains updated and alert.
Key Point
- A 4.2-magnitude quake struck off Vancouver Island. It occurred at a depth of 10 km. A 2.6-magnitude quake followed later.
- Seismologist John Cassidy said earthquakes are common in the Nootka Zone. There have been 128 quakes of similar size in the past 20 years.
- No damage or tsunami warnings reported. The National Public Alerting System issued alerts. A 5.0-magnitude quake could cause significant damage.
