Strong and shallow M6.5 earthquake hits off the coast of British Columbia, Canada

Strong and shallow M6.5 earthquake hits off the coast of British Columbia, Canada

Teo Blašković

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit the Queen Charlotte Islands region, British Columbia, Canada at 22:22 UTC on September 15, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 271 km (168 miles) WNW of Port McNeill and 302 km (187 miles) S of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.

2 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, NWS PTWC said.

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.

A strong aftershock registered as M5.0 hit the same area at 01:43 UTC on September 16, at a depth of 7 km (4.3 miles).