Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Near Orcas, Washington Rattles Southern B.C. Residents
On March 3, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Orcas, Washington, felt across southern British Columbia. The tremor, occurring at 5 a.m., prompted reports from 8,000 individuals but resulted in no tsunami or significant damage warnings. This was the second quake in the region within a fortnight, following a 5.1 magnitude incident on February 21.
An early morning earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 occurred off Orcas, Washington, just southeast of Victoria, at approximately 5 a.m. on March 3, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The earthquake struck at a depth of 16.6 kilometers, roughly 42 kilometers east of Sidney, and was felt broadly across the southern coast of British Columbia. Despite the quake’s magnitude, no tsunami watch or warning was issued.
Residents reported feeling the tremors, including Patricia Moe from Tsawwassen, who described experiencing a swaying motion while seated at her dining table. The event generated extensive reports to the US Geological Survey, with 8,000 individuals indicating they felt the quake within two hours, ranging across areas from Powell River to the Fraser Valley and as far south as Aberdeen, Washington.
Earthquakes Canada recorded the quake’s magnitude at 4.1. Its shake map indicated effects reaching as far north as North Vancouver and Parksville, and southward into Everett, Washington, and Olympic Provincial Park. The Earthquake Early Warning system chose not to issue an alert, citing that the quake’s magnitude and intensity were below the thresholds for expected harm.
This earthquake was the second felt in southern B.C. over the past two weeks; a 5.1-magnitude quake struck near the Sunshine Coast on February 21, felt widely along the province’s coast. While that incident was shallower, the earlier tremor did prompt some residents to receive cellphone alerts from Natural Resources Canada.
In summary, the recent magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Orcas, Washington, serves as a reminder of seismic activity in the region. While the quake was widely felt, the absence of serious damage or tsunami warnings reflects the relatively moderate nature of these disturbances. Ongoing monitoring and public awareness remain crucial as Southern B.C. experiences increased seismic activity.
Original Source: www.kelownacapnews.com
