4.5-magnitude earthquake felt in Greater Victoria area
People reported feeling ground and buildings shaking; quake's epicentre was just south of the U.S. border
An earthquake in northwestern Washington state was felt around the Greater Victoria area Sunday evening.
The 4.5-magnitude quake hit about 65 kilometres southeast of Victoria, just to the east of the Olympic Peninsula, at a depth of 39 kilometres at 7:21 p.m. PT, according to Earthquakes Canada.
The agency said there were no reports of damage and none would be expected.
"It would be very mild, just a little tiny rumble or jolt," said Alison Bird, earthquake seismologist with the federal government.
People reported on social media feeling the jolt and noticed buildings shaking.
I felt the earthquake for the first time in my life. The epicenter was located in the ocean/sea between Seattle and Vancouver. It was a really weird feeling. If you live on a high floor and there are always tall buildings around you, there is no choice but to wait.
—@aliturangcWe felt the small earthquake in our James Bay home in Victoria. Made sure we have a box of food, water and medical supplies in a safe place to access easily in emergency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yyj?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yyj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://t.co/pdhGZjlVCd">pic.twitter.com/pdhGZjlVCd</a>
—@snufflewortEarthquake just shook the house in Fairfield, Victoria BC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yyj?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yyj</a>
—@mandyleith
The national tsunami warning centre said no tsunami was reported.
Bird said it's a reminder that British Columbians live in an area susceptible to earthquakes.
She says people can prepare by practising what to do in an earthquake — drop, cover and hold on — and by preparing an emergency kit.
Next week, on Oct. 19, people across the world will practice earthquake drills for International ShakeOut day.
B.C. residents can register to participate in the drill online.