A Tsunami Watch has been issued for Haida Gwaii and coastal British Columbia after a magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck offshore in the North Pacific at 4:24 PM PDT on July 29. The quake’s epicenter is located at latitude 52.2, longitude 160.0, in the Aleutian Islands region.
According to the North Coast Regional District, the watch includes Tsunami Zones A, B, C, and D—covering Haida Gwaii, the central coast, west Vancouver Island, and the Juan de Fuca Strait.
The estimated wave arrival time for Langara Island is 10:05 PM PDT. While no tsunami has been confirmed, officials warn the situation may change quickly.
Residents in watch areas should:
– Stay away from beaches, harbors, and inlets
– Be ready to evacuate to higher ground if needed
– Follow instructions from local emergency authorities
– Avoid returning to the shore until cleared
If you feel strong or long-lasting shaking, evacuate immediately without waiting for an alert.
This Tsunami Watch will be updated hourly or as conditions change.
Visit tsunami.gov or PreparedBC for the latest information.
