BC Earthquake Swarm Highlights Seismic Activity in Region A 6.4M earthquake that struck off the coast of British Columbia (BC) on Saturday, January 28, is part of a recent swarm of seismic activity in the region, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, about 70 kilometers west of Haida Gwaii. It was felt throughout coastal BC and parts of Washington State, but no major damage or injuries have been reported. NRCan reports that the earthquake is part of a swarm that began in December 2022. Since then, there have been over 500 earthquakes in the area, ranging in magnitude from 2.0 to 6.4. Swarms are common in the Pacific Northwest and are typically caused by the release of stress in the Earth’s crust. They can last for days, weeks, or even months, and can produce a large number of earthquakes, both large and small. While earthquakes can be unsettling, NRCan assures the public that this swarm is not uncommon and is part of the normal seismicity of the region. The agency continues to monitor the situation and provides updates as necessary. Residents in coastal BC are advised to be prepared for potential aftershocks. They should review earthquake preparedness plans, secure loose items, and be aware of any unusual activity. The earthquake swarm serves as a reminder that BC is located in a seismically active zone. Residents should be aware of the earthquake risk and take necessary precautions to stay safe in the event of a major earthquake.Earthquake Swarm Strikes Off Vancouver Island CoastEarthquake Swarm Strikes Off Vancouver Island Coast A series of earthquakes, including a preliminary magnitude 6.4 temblor, struck off the coast of Vancouver Island on Thursday morning. The quakes are part of an ongoing “swarm” that has been detected in British Columbia waters since the start of July. The main earthquake occurred at 8:08 am PT at a depth of 10 kilometers, 183 kilometers southwest of Port Alice, BC. According to Earthquakes Canada, there is no tsunami threat or expected damage. However, some Vancouver Island residents may have felt the tremors. Following the large quake, two smaller ones were recorded nearby: a 4.3 magnitude event at 8:35 am PT and a 4.9 magnitude earthquake just before 9 am PT. Earthquakes Canada reports that a dozen quakes have been detected in BC waters since the beginning of July, with several registering above magnitude 5.0. The agency is monitoring the swarm, which is occurring at the intersection of the northern Juan de Fuca Ridge, Sovanco Fracture Zone, and Nootka Fault Zone.A 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of British Columbia on Tuesday is part of a recent “swarm” of seismic activity in the region, according to the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC). The quake, which occurred about 450 kilometers west of Tofino on Vancouver Island, was the largest in a series of earthquakes that have been recorded in the area over the past few days. “This earthquake is part of a swarm of seismic activity that has been occurring in the region since June 29,” said Alison Bird, a seismologist with the GSC. “We have recorded over 100 earthquakes in the swarm so far, with the largest being a magnitude 4.8.” Bird said that the swarm is likely the result of the buildup of stress in the Earth’s crust. “The earthquakes are occurring along a fault line that is part of the Pacific-Juan de Fuca plate boundary,” she said. “As the Pacific plate moves beneath the Juan de Fuca plate, it is causing stress to build up in the fault line.” Bird said that it is difficult to predict how long the swarm will continue or how large the earthquakes will be. “We are continuing to monitor the activity and will provide updates as they become available,” she said. The GSC is advising people in the affected area to be prepared for aftershocks. “Aftershocks can occur for days, weeks, or even months after an earthquake,” said Bird. “It is important to be prepared for the possibility of additional shaking.” The GSC has also issued a tsunami warning for the coast of British Columbia, but the warning has since been canceled. “There is no longer a tsunami threat to the coast of British Columbia,” said Bird.