The BC government says there’s no risk of tsunami to coastal areas of the province after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of California Thursday morning.
The BC Ministry of Emergency Preparedness initially said it was evaluating the threat to BC but eventually concluded there was no tsunami threat.
An M7.3 earthquake has occurred near Eureka, California. Officials are evaluating the data to determine if there is any threat to #BC. Updates will be shared as soon as they become available. https://t.co/qCGC0nXKIT
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) December 5, 2024
Parts of the province, including western Vancouver Island, are known to be at risk of tsunamis when powerful quakes strike in the Pacific.
According to the US National Tsunami Warning Centre, the earthquake’s epicentre was off the coast of Eureka, California, and it had a magnitude of 7.3. Tsunami warnings were issued for northern California and southern Oregon.
BC’s webpage monitoring the tsunami said its magnitude has been revised down to 7.0.
The US also cancelled its tsunami warnings for California and Oregon just before noon. No destructive tsunami was recorded, and the US government said coastal areas in BC and Alaska are safe, too.
BC has several coastal zones where it monitors tsunami risk from Haida Gwaii down to the Strait of Georgia.
Emergency Info BC
The province has four levels for tsunami threat:
- Tsunami Warning: a flood wave is possible. Full evacuation is suggested.
- Tsunami Advisory: strong currents are likely. People advised to stay away from the shore.
- Tsunami Watch: the danger level is not yet known, and people should stay alert for more information.
- Information statement: No action suggested for minor waves.