Earthquake Felt in Vancouver!

Earthquake was near Sechelt, about 50km from Vancouver

At around 1.26pm, I was in the kitchen washing dishes, when I felt the floor rumble. It felt as if a massive truck was passing by our street, except there wasn't one -- it was an earthquake!

I could hear the glasses in the cupboard clinking. Instead of the procedure -- drop, cover and hold on -- I was standing there, frozen.

"Earthquake! Earthquake!" my dad said upstairs.

The shaking lasted about 10 seconds before I rushed up to see if my parents were OK before going on Bluesky to post, "Just felt some minor shaking in Vancouver... was it an earthquake?"

Two other people responded, so I was not alone.

When I turned on the radio at 1.30pm, CBC Radio Vancouver had jazz playing -- which meant they were not on the air, or technical difficulties. It turns out everyone in the building had to be evacuated in the rain before being allowed back in.

Just before 2pm Kathryn Marlow from Victoria took over the CBC airwaves to anchor a quick radio special to give out essential information, that yes indeed there was an earthquake, first reported as 4.8 on the Richter scale near Sechelt, about 50km from Vancouver; then it was reported as 5.1 and then hours later back down to 4.7.

There were no reports of injuries -- apparently people who were walking outside in downtown Vancouver didn't feel anything, while others reported being jolted from their sleep or were terrified by the shaking. Many reported the same feeling as me -- as if a giant truck was driving by.

On the radio we were encouraged to report our experience to Earthquakes Canada where there is a quick online survey which allows them to crowd source data.  

Before this tremor, we had started (slowly) putting together our emergency kit but now this experience has motivated us to get it together quicker! It includes having water, first aid kit, clothing, documents, cash, non-perishable food, medication and other necessities to survive on for at least the first few days. 

Another good tip is to avoid standing in door frames -- they are not going to protect you. Best to get under a table or desk!