A tsunami watch is now in effect for British Columbia’s coastal Zones A through D, including the north coast, Haida Gwaii, central coast, northeast Vancouver Island, the west coast of Vancouver Island, and the Juan de Fuca Strait. The alert follows a powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake that struck at 4:24 p.m. Pacific Time, located about 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk, Russia.
While a tsunami has not yet been confirmed, residents are urged to stay off beaches, out of the water, and away from harbors, inlets, and marinas. Strong currents or waves may pose a danger even without widespread flooding.
Boat operators should head to deeper water if conditions allow. Do not go to the shore to observe the tsunami and do not call 9-1-1 unless it’s an emergency.
Officials will update the situation as new information becomes available. Stay tuned to emergency alerts and follow instructions from local authorities.
