A major 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Haida Gwaii region at 8:04 pm on Saturday, October 27. The quake, the third largest in British Columbia, was felt across much of the north-central area of the province, including Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and Houston. There have been no reports of damage at this time.
The epicentre was 17 kilometres below ground about 139 kilometres south of Masset on Haida Gwaii. Numerous aftershocks of 3.0 to 5.8 followed.
A tsunami warning was issued for the central and north coast, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. The warnings were downgraded to advisory status and were lifted for all areas by 3 am. Two small tsunami waves were recorded at the northern tip of Haida Gwaii. Both were less than 50 centimetres.
Some Powell River residents have been reporting they felt the tremor and saw hanging lights and blinds swaying. Others say they felt nauseous and dizzy.
