Many southwestern B.C. residents were jolted awake late Tuesday night by a small earthquake that briefly rattled homes across much of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
The magnitude 4.3 quake at 11:39 p.m. was centred about eight kilometres east of Sidney, between Victoria and Vancouver, according to preliminary information from Earthquakes Canada.
The shaker lasted only a couple of seconds but created immediate fear among some residents that it could just be the start of a much more serious quake, or might be followed by significant aftershocks. Neither scenario materialized. Nor was any tsunami warning issued.
There are also ongoing discrepancies as to the size of the quake, with the U.S. Geological Survey ranking it a magnitude 4.8, rather than the 4.3 from Earthquakes Canada.
Social media was deluged with individual reports of what the quake felt like, with some saying they first thought a vehicle slammed into their home.
Natural Resources Canada said it had received no reports of damage and none would be expected.
B.C.'s quake followed a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Southern California that is not believed to be linked.
Agencies including Emergency Management B.C. are urging residents to treat the event as a wake-up call and prepare earthquake kits for the potential of a more serious quake in the future.
Everyone should have food, water and other supplies to survive 72 hours unassisted in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Emergency kits are recommended for home, the workplace and your vehicle.
