Swarm of Earthquakes Detected off Vancouver Island’s Coast

A series of seismic events, including a significant 6.4 magnitude earthquake, have been detected off the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The cluster of earthquakes is part of an ongoing «swarm» in the region, according to Earthquakes Canada.

The initial 6.4 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, approximately 183 kilometres southwest of Port Alice on Vancouver Island, with subsequent quakes following in close succession.

Following the primary event, a 4.3 magnitude quake hit at 8:35 a.m. PT, followed by a 4.9 magnitude tremor at 9:17 a.m. PT, and another 4.8 magnitude quake at 10:34 a.m. PT, all clustered near the same location.

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or higher have been consistently recorded in the waters off the coast of B.C. since the beginning of July, indicating a heightened seismic activity in the region.

Experts at Natural Resources Canada, including seismologist John Cassidy, have noted that the seismic activity is centered at the convergence of the northern Juan de Fuca Ridge, Sovanco Fracture Zone, and Nootka Fault Zone – a complex tectonic setting.

Cassidy emphasized the significance of these events in providing valuable data for understanding future earthquake patterns, though he assured that the current swarm does not pose an immediate threat to safety due to its depth and distance from the coastline.

While the swarm of earthquakes serves as a reminder of the seismic activity along the West Coast of Canada, experts stress that more studies are needed to predict and prepare for potential larger earthquakes that could impact populated areas.