On July 11, 2024, a series of earthquakes occurred off the coast of Vancouver Island in western Canada. The most significant earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 and struck at around 8:00 a.m., according to multiple sources including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Earthquakes Canada.
The earthquake was felt by some residents of Vancouver Island, but no damage or tsunamis were expected due to its depth and location.
Following the initial earthquake, a swarm of smaller quakes occurred in the same area. The USGS reported three additional earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.4, 4.9, and 4.8 respectively.
The epicenter of the seismic activity was located near Vancouver Island's northern Juan de Fuca Ridge, Sovanco Fracture Zone, and Nootka Fault Zone.
According to Earthquakes Canada, a total of 13 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 4.0 have been detected in B.C. waters since the start of July.
The USGS reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 6 miles and was followed by two smaller quakes within an hour.
The U.S National Tsunami Warning Center issued a statement saying no tsunamis were expected due to the earthquake's location and size.
ShakeAlert, a system that sends notifications when an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher strikes and can be felt, triggered alerts for parts of Western Washington due to weak shaking from the earthquakes.
The USGS noted that this area is seismically active as three tectonic plates come together. The Washington Emergency Management Division also reminded people that it's a very active area and generates earthquakes all the time.
No injuries or significant damage were reported following the earthquake.
