Update 2 -- 7.7-Magnitude Quake Strikes Canadian Island, Tsunami Warnings Issued

[News_Editor]

UPDATE 2 -- 7.7-magnitude quake strikes Canadian island, tsunami warnings issued < br />

2012-10-28 10:37:18 GMT+7 (ICT)

VANCOUVER (BNO NEWS) -- A powerful and shallow earthquake struck the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia on Saturday evening, seismologists and witnesses said, prompting a tsunami warning for coastlines in Canada and Alaska. It was not immediately known if a tsunami was generated.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake at 8:04 p.m. local time (0304 GMT Sunday) was centered on Moresby Island in the Queen Charlotte Islands, or about 199 kilometers (124 miles) south-southwest of the Canadian port city of Prince Rupert. It struck about 17.5 kilometers (10.9 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

It was not immediately known if a tsunami was generated, but the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning due to the size of the earthquake. The warning is in effect for the coastal areas of British Columbia and Alaska from the northern tip of Vancouver Island, B.C. to Cape Decision, Alaska.

"Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant widespread inundation is imminent, expected or occurring," the center said in a bulletin. "Warnings indicate that widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival."

The initial earthquake was followed by an aftershock about ten minutes later, at 8:14 p.m. local time (0314 GMT Sunday), according to the USGS. It said the aftershock, which had a preliminary magnitude of 5.8, was centered just off Moresby Island. It struck at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-10-28

[rotorbreeze]

As a Canadian I am concerned, listen to local radio station on internet. Glad I am here safe but not sure whats about in Vancouver Area.

suspect a larger one may occur in near future.

Not much more to say about this but hope everyone in the area of quake is safe...

[cdnvic]

A small tsunami (2ft) has hit northern Haida Gwai. The quake was felt as far inland as the Okanagan. Third strongest quake in 300 years.

[stoli]

They now have stated that a tsunami will hit Hawaii within two hours. Good luck to everyone there.

[MILT]

My son lives on the Big Island (Hawaii). I will call him tonight and see (what da scoop is).

Will post any news of the Tidal Wave I here from them.

Edited October 28, 2012 by MILT

[Tywais]

Hawaii in path of tsunami after 7.7 earthquake strikes western Canada

(CNN) -- Sirens blaring across parts of Hawaii urged residents to seek higher ground, as a tsunami -- triggered by a sizable 7.7-magnitude earthquake in western Canada -- headed toward them.

Waves between 3 and 7 feet are expected to lash the islands, beginning about 10:28 p.m. local time Saturday (4:28 a.m. Sunday ET), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

"Basically this tsunami is pointed right at us," said Gerard Fryer, senior geophysicist at the center.

The impact could last for hours.

"It's not just one wave, it's a succession of waves," Fryer said. "We are recommending coastal evacuation."

More CNN.com

[Tywais]

Haida Gwaii earthquake spurs tsunami warnings in Hawaii; evacuations begin

Tsunami warning sirens have sounded across Hawaii and people in inundation zones should evacuate immediately, officials said. The tsunami warning was issued for Hawaii in the wake of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake off British Columbia tonight.

State Civil Defense is urging residents to move to higher ground if they are in a tsunami evacuation zone. The first waves could arrive as soon as 10:28 p.m., said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach.

The center is predicting wave heights of 3 to 6 feet in some locations. The biggest waves are expected in Hilo, Kahului, Haleiwa and Hanale

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/world/Haida+Gwaii+earthquake+spurs+tsunami+warnings+Hawaii/7459977/story.html#ixzz2AZpuTv3g

[samuijimmy]

Friends ans family reporting no problem in Vancouver or Victoria areas..... Haida Gwai is quiet well north, and sparsely populated. . . but CNN, Sky News or BBC have not reported any loss of life or major damage..

It seems to have turned into a non event in Hawaii.... lucky this time for everyone... sure the big one will come some day!

[Scott]

Sorry to close this but we need to have only one topic open, so please post here: