Powerful tremor shakes coast
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 injuries and only minor damage.
The epicentre was 17 kilometres below ground about 139 kilometres south of Masset on Haida Gwaii. Numerous aftershocks of 3.0 to 6.4 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 Sunday.
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.
Collision closes highway
An early morning car accident knocked out power for Powell River residents south of town and closed Highway 101 for a number of hours Friday, October 26.
Police were called to the single-car collision at 2:30 am after a car veered off the road and struck a hydro pole near Bradford Road.
According to RCMP Sergeant Rod Wiebe, the 42-year-old female driver was trapped in the vehicle and emergency responders had to wait for the cable to be cut before she could be extricated.
About 1,763 BC Hydro customers had no power until it was restored around 11:30 am.
