While British Columbians don’t often notice damage from earthquakes, there have been some rather large ones through the province’s history.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, a whopping 4,000 earthquakes take place across Canada every year. What’s more, the B.C. coast is the most earthquake-prone region in the country. In fact, there is a minor earthquake almost every day in the Lower Mainland. And while the majority of these earthquakes are hardly felt, certain earthquakes pose a serious threat.
Have a look at some of the most powerful earthquakes to ever strike B.C.
Cascadia Megathrust Earthquake – 9.0 Magnitude
One of the world’s largest earthquakes took place off the coast of British Columbia in 1700 on Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. The event took place in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and the thrust ruptured along a 1000 km length stretching from mid Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Island to northern California. According to Earthquakes Canada, the earthquake’s shaking, “collapsed houses of the Cowichan people on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Island and caused numerous landslides.” In fact, the shaking was so prolonged and violent that people become ill. What’s more, the earthquake resulted in a tsunami that swept across the Pacific Ocean and caused some destruction in Japan.
Washington / B.C. Border – 7.4 Magnitude
While this earthquake’s epicentre was likely in northern Washington State, its effects were felt in B.C. According to Earthquakes Canada, the shaking on Dec. 15, 1872 was felt, “from central British Columbia in the north (Quesnel) to central Oregon in the south (Salem) and east into the present day Alberta and Montana.” What’s more, the shaking was enough to deeply frighten people living in Victoria, New Westminster and Yale — they even ran out of buildings.
Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Island – 7.0 Magnitude
This massive earthquake took place on Dec. 6, 1918 and was said to awaken people in Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»and on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Island. In addition, Earthquakes Canada notes how it did, “some damage to the Estevan Point lighthouse and to a wharf at Ucluelet” and could be felt as far east as Kelowna.
South of Haida Gwaii – 7.0 Magnitude
A second 7.0 magnitude earthquake took place on May 26, 1929 South of Haida Gwaii with a latitude of 51.51 and a longitude of -130.74.
Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Island – 7.3 Magnitude
According to Earthquakes Canada, the June 23, 1946 earthquake is Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Island’s largest historic earthquake, as well as Canada’s largest historic onshore earthquake. It was felt felt as far away as Portland Oregon, and Prince Rupert B.C. and caused a great deal of damage. According to the summary, the earthquake knocked down 75% of the chimneys in the closest communities, and also resulted in two deaths – one was from a small boat capsizing, while the other was a heart attack.
Offshore Haida Gwaii – 8.1 Magnitude
This powerful quake took place on Aug. 22, 1949, and was Canada’s largest earthquake since 1700. It took place on the Queen Charlotte Fault, and Earthquakes Canada highlights how the violent shaking in the Haida Gwaii knocked cows off their feet, “and a geologist with the Geological Survey of Canada working on the north end of Graham Island could not stand up.” Chimneys also toppled, an oil tank collapsed, cars bounced around, and, in Prince Rupert, windows shattered.
British Columbia – Alaska – 7.9 Magnitude
While this earthquake’s epicentre was in Alaska, the effects were felt in B.C. In fact, some of the effects were felt as far south as Seattle. It is known as the 1958 Lituya Bay, Alaska earthquake, and took place on July 9.
South of Haida Gwaii – 7.4 Magnitude
This 7.4 earthquake took place on June 24, 1970 South of Haida Gwaii with a latitude of 51.77 and a longitude of -130.76.
Offshore Haida Gwaii – 7.7 Magnitude
On Oct. 28, 2012, a powerful earthquake struck in the Haida Gwaii region. According to Earthquakes Canada, it was felt in, “north-central B.C., including Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and Houston.” A tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas and numerous aftershocks followed.
Most recently, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the B.C. coast July 3 followed by a second earthquake with a 4.0 magnitude.
Find out more information about earthquake prep here.
