A 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Sechelt on Friday afternoon, shaking communities across southwestern British Columbia. Residents reported feeling the tremors in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Vancouver Island.
Natural Resources Canada (NRC) initially reported the quake as a magnitude 5.1 but later revised it to 4.7. The earthquake occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. at a shallow depth of one kilometre. John Cassidy, senior research scientist at NRC, said the shaking lasted about 10 seconds and warned that aftershocks could follow due to the quake’s shallow depth.
The epicentre was located in a remote mountainous area within Tetrahedron Provincial Park on the Sunshine Coast. Despite its intensity, there were no immediate reports of damage. The National Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
Residents near the epicentre received automated earthquake alerts from NRC, reminding them to drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stopped. Many schools implemented earthquake drills in real time. Students at Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver reported swaying classrooms, while several took cover under tables. The North Vancouver school district confirmed all students and staff were safe with no injuries or damage.
At Aspenwood Elementary in Port Moody, students were in a gym assembly, one of the school’s designated emergency areas. The principal notified parents that everyone was unharmed and safe.
The Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal was briefly evacuated so staff could inspect elevated infrastructure. B.C. Ferries officials confirmed no damage was found, and operations resumed, although some sailings were delayed.
Sechelt Mayor John Henderson said there were no reports of damage. He described the quake as a loud boom followed by shaking and noted that local conditions appeared stable.
Experts stressed the importance of earthquake preparedness. Officials advised residents to have emergency kits at home, work, and in vehicles. Kits should include personal ID, medications, cash, phone chargers, food, water, toiletries, a flashlight, and paper and pen. The Sunshine Coast Regional District recommended having enough supplies for at least seven days in case of aftershocks or disruptions.
Vancouver city councillor Rebecca Bligh said feeling the quake in an older office building was unsettling. Residents on Vancouver Island also reported the tremors. Jennifer Moretti in Nanaimo described the shaking like a “big truck going by,” while Autumn Maxwell near Sooke noticed windows and walls moving.
Historically, the region has experienced significant seismic activity. Natural Resources Canada records show a 7.4 magnitude quake in 1872 and a 7.3 magnitude quake in 1946. The area has seen at least eight earthquakes over magnitude 5.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and urge residents in affected areas to stay prepared for potential aftershocks. Emergency information is being updated regularly to ensure public safety.
