A 5.6 magnitude earthquake has struck beneath the ocean off the coast of Vancouver Island. The seismic event occurred at 11:41 p.m. PT on Sunday, approximately 219 kilometers southwest of Port Hardy at the northern tip of the island. The earthquake’s depth was around 10 kilometers below the ocean floor, according to Earthquakes Canada, which confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
The epicenter of the earthquake is in close proximity to several major communities on Vancouver Island, such as Campbell River, located about 300 kilometers away, and Port Alberni, approximately 330 kilometers away. Reports indicate that the tremors were felt as far as Metro Vancouver, over 450 kilometers southeast of the epicenter. Residents in northern Vancouver Island also reported feeling the shaking.
The seismic activity has raised concerns but thankfully did not pose any immediate danger of a tsunami. The impact of the earthquake was widespread, reaching different areas of Vancouver Island and even extending to Metro Vancouver.