Vancouver Island Jolted by 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake
Minor Quake Felt as Far as Kelowna and Sunshine Coast
Vancouver, BC - December 18, 2023
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.9 shook the Coast Mountains of British Columbia on Sunday afternoon, causing tremors that were felt across northern and central Vancouver Island, as well as in the Sunshine Coast and greater Vancouver area.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 1:37 p.m. local time and was centered approximately 137 kilometers northwest of Pemberton.
Residents from Campbell River to Victoria reported feeling the tremors, with some describing it as a "rolling" or "rocking" sensation that lasted for several seconds.
The earthquake is the latest in a series of seismic events that have rattled the region in recent months. On Thursday, at least three earthquakes were recorded off the western coast of Vancouver Island, including a 4.9 magnitude quake.
Seismologists are monitoring the situation and say there is no immediate threat of further major earthquakes, but they advise residents to be prepared for aftershocks.
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