**Update as of 2:50 p.m., March 4: The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center has announced that there is no tsunami threat to B.C.**
A potential tsunami risk for B.C. is being assessed due to a magnitude 8.1 earthquake that occurred in the Kermadec Islands region, north of New Zealand today.
A powerful magnitude 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck in the ocean off the coast of New Zealand, prompting thousands of people to evacuate and triggering tsunami warnings across the South Pacific.
The quake was the largest in a series of tremors that struck the region over several hours, including two earlier quakes that registered magnitude 7.4 and magnitude 7.3.
The earthquake was upgraded from 8.0 to 8.1 magnitude.
Tsunami Info Stmt 3: M8.1 Kermadec Islands Region 1129PST Mar 4: Event is being reviewed to determine threat to CA,OR,WA,BC,and AK
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) March 4, 2021
Earthquake Evaluation
Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis potentially dangerous to coasts outside the source region. Currently, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center is analyzing the event to determine the level of danger.
How to prepare for tsunamis if you are near the shore
- Get to high ground when it is safe to move.
- Do not go near the shore to watch a tsunami.
- Listen to local media, or follow the City and the Province of BC on Twitter.
More information will be issued as it becomes available...
--With files from the Canadian Press.
