Strong and shallow M6.6, M6.8 and M6.5 earthquakes hit near the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit near the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada at 05:39 UTC on October 22, 2018 (22:39 LT, October 21). The agency is reporting a depth of 11 km (6.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles). 

This quake was followed by M6.8 at 06:16 UTC, M6.5 at 06:22 UTC, M4.9 at 06:36, M4.3 at 07:13 and M4.5 at 08:43 UTC.

According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 276 km (172 miles) W of Tofino, British Columbia.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat, PTWC said (M6.6, M6.8).

There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).

Some 4 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 190 000 weak.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building type is low-rise reinforced/confined masonry construction.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS, EMSC