Tuesday's Earthquake Should Serve As A Reminder

NORTH SAANICH - The latest earthquake to rock the B.C. Coast is yet another reminder about the potential danger facing Vancouver Island.
Tuesday's 6.5 magnitude quake was centered about 260 kilometres off Prince Rupert.

Herb Dragert with Natural Resources Canada says there is a distinct difference in the type of quakes that occur north of Vancouver Island.

The two plates in that region, the Pacific and North America are defined as a 'strike-slip' fault because they grind past each other horizontally.

Dragert says the tectonic plates off Vancouver Island are subducting and are capable of generating much larger earthquakes than a strike-slip fault.

Scientists say a major seismic event, known as a mega-thrust earthquake is expected to occur off B.C. and Washington anytime in the next 200 years.

Which is why we should prepare now before the 'big one' strikes.

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