British Columbia

Magnitude 3.9 earthquake 'lightly felt' in Victoria

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded around 60 kilometres south of Victoria on Wednesday, officials said, in what is the latest quake to be felt in southwest B.C. over the last two weeks.

Earthquake about 60 km south of B.C. capital around 4:18 p.m. PT on Wednesday, officials say

A map points to an earthquake epicentre south of Victoria in Washington state.
A mild earthquake was lightly felt in Victoria on Wednesday, according to Earthquakes Canada. (Earthquakes Canada)

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded around 60 kilometres south of Victoria on Wednesday, officials say, in what is the latest quake to be felt in southwest B.C. over the last two weeks.

Earthquakes Canada says the quake's epicentre was in Olympic National Park in Washington state, and it struck around 4:18 p.m. PT.

The agency says that there were no reports of damage due to the shaker, and none would be expected. The quake was "lightly felt" in Victoria, according to Earthquakes Canada.

Officials say anyone who felt the quake should fill out the Earthquakes Canada "Did you feel it?" form.

WATCH | Should you be concerned about so many earthquakes in a short span of time? 

Multiple earthquakes in a short time. Should you be worried?

2 days ago
Duration 3:05
Southwestern British Columbia has experienced several small but noticeable earthquakes over the past few weeks. Seismologist Johanna Wagstaffe explains why these tremors do not increase or decrease the likelihood of a larger earthquake.

Wednesday's quake comes after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake near Sechelt on Feb. 21 and a 5.0-magnitude quake on Feb. 24 off the coast of Port Alice on northern Vancouver Island.

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake was also reported near Sidney on March 3, in what has been a particularly seismically active winter for southwest B.C.

WATCH | Why some may not get emergency alerts after a quake: 

Why you might not get an earthquake alert during an emergency

2 days ago
Duration 3:56
Southwestern British Columbia has experienced several small but noticeable earthquakes over the past few weeks. For some it’s raising questions about how to be better prepared. CBC’s Baneet Braich looked into the Earthquake Early Warning system and how to better ensure it works for you.