Kelowna, British Columbia – A magnitude 3.4 earthquake shook parts of British Columbia’s interior early Saturday morning. The tremor struck about 33 kilometers west of Okanagan Falls, just after 4:30 a.m. local time, sending light vibrations across nearby communities.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake, which occurred at 4:38 a.m. PDT, was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey at a depth of 7.0 kilometers. The epicenter was located in a sparsely populated area between Okanagan Falls and the Cascade Mountains, meaning there was no immediate risk to major urban centers. Despite this, at least 18 people submitted reports to the “Did You Feel It?” program, indicating mild shaking.
Impact on Nearby Communities
Communities near Penticton, Summerland, and Keremeos may have felt light tremors, but no significant damage or injuries have been reported. The earthquake’s intensity was measured at level III on the ShakeMap, which indicates weak shaking, typically not strong enough to cause structural damage.
What Authorities Are Saying
Local authorities and Emergency Management BC have not issued any warnings following the quake. However, they have recommended that residents in seismically active areas review their emergency preparedness kits and plans. This earthquake, while minor, serves as a reminder of the seismic potential along the western North American plate boundary, where earthquakes are more common.
Ongoing Monitoring
Both the U.S. Geological Survey and Natural Resources Canada are continuing to monitor the situation. As of Saturday morning, no aftershocks had been reported.
While the 3.4 magnitude earthquake in the Okanagan Falls region was mild and did not cause significant damage, it serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they are prepared for future seismic events.
