British Columbia

Mock earthquake felt by 690,000 in annual B.C. drill

More than 690,000 British Columbians registered to ''drop, cover and hold on'' for the annual British Columbia ShakeOut drill at 10:17 a.m. PT this morning.

Participants practise how to stay safe during ShakeOut event

B.C. residents took part in the annual ShakeOut earthquake awareness day on Oct. 17 by participating in a drill at 10:17 a.m. PT. Participants were encouraged to "drop, cover and hold on" in the exercise, seeking shelter under desks or other objects that might help protect them from falling debris. (CBC)

More than 690,000 British Columbians registered to "drop, cover and hold on" for the annual British Columbia ShakeOut drill at 10:17 a.m. PT this morning.

The drill is meant to help participants practise how to stay safe during an earthquake, by seeking shelter from falling debris.

Speaking at an event in North Vancouver, B.C.'s Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton said the risk of a catastrophic earthquake for coastal B.C. is very real. She said that British Columbians should be preparing for the days after a quake by creating personal and family emergency plans and an emergency kits.

Anton also said that by practising the "drop, cover and hold on" routine, residents will be better prepared to quickly find shelter in the event of a real quake.

Scroll down below for a collection of photos taken by British Columbians during today's earthquake drill.