Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit off the coast of Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada at 19:49 UTC on December 23, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Earthquakes Canada is reporting M5.8 at a depth of 5 km (3.1 miles), preceded by M5.1 and M5.6 at 16:44 and 19:13 UTC, respectively, and followed by M6.0 at 20:56 and M4.8 at 23:38 UTC.

The epicenter was located 332.2 km (205.9 miles) WNW of Tofino and 339.3 km (210.3 miles) W of Campbell River, Canada.

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

There are no tsunami warnings, watches or advisories in effect.

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.

Image credit: Google, TW/SAM. Data source: USGS

Regional seismicity

Featured image: Google, TW/SAM