5.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Vancouver and Victoria

VANCOUVER, B.C. — A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Sechelt, B.C., on Friday afternoon, sending tremors through cities like Vancouver and Victoria. The quake occurred at 1:26 p.m. PT, with its epicenter located 24 kilometers northeast of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, according to Earthquakes Canada.

Residents across the region reported feeling the shaking, with reports coming in from locations such as Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Oak Bay, and Fairfield. Despite the extent of the tremors, Earthquakes Canada stated that there were no immediate reports of structural damage as of 1:38 p.m.

Emergency Info BC confirmed that there was no tsunami threat related to the earthquake, allowing officials to focus on monitoring the situation. “We are actively assessing the event and will provide updates as they become available,” the agency stated on social media.

According to Earthquakes Canada, earthquakes of magnitude between 3.5 and 5.4 are generally felt but rarely cause significant damage. They noted that serious damage typically occurs only in quakes reaching magnitudes of 7.0 or higher. The organization describes an earthquake of magnitude 9 as a “rare great earthquake,” capable of causing major damage over extensive areas.

This incident follows a recent 5.2 magnitude earthquake reported Thursday, approximately 63 kilometers northeast of Grande Cache, Alberta, which did not result in any damage.

Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared, especially in light of the potential for aftershocks. As this is a developing story, further updates will be released as more information comes in.