2 overnight earthquakes remind Vancouver Island residents to be prepared
Published 7:04 am Monday, September 28, 2026
Two earthquakes shook the waters off the North Island overnight.
The first, a 4.9 magnitude rumbled 166 kilometres west, southwest of Port Hardy on Sept. 27 at 9:41 p.m., reported by Earthquakes Canada.
A second 5.2 magnitude was recorded at 2:13 a.m. Monday (Sept. 28) in a similar area 148 kilometres west, southwest of Port Hardy at a depth of 10 km.
The shifts are part of normal movement on the coast, and serve as a reminder to be ready for year ‘round potential hazards of the region such as earthquakes, tsunamis and extreme weather – and have an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag.
A good rule of thumb is to review and restock emergency supplies twice a year, according to Prepared BC.
Replace expired food, water, medications and batteries, update important documents, and make sure clothing and personal items still meet your household’s needs.
The pair of notable ’quakes also come just ahead of the mass earthquake drill Shake Out BC. On Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m., residents are encouraged to practise how to “drop, cover and hold on.”
While potential earthquake hazards depend on location, everywhere in B.C. is considered at high risk of earthquake in relation to the rest of Canada. Shake Out BC uses the example of a Jan. 26, 1700 magnitude 9 earthquake that shook the entire province as well as Washington, Oregon, and California, and generated a massive tsunami.
Learn more at shakeoutbc.ca.
About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk
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