B.C. warned Ring of Fire very active as earthquakes shake multiple regions
Seismologist reminds residents to prepare emergency supplies as B.C. experiences about 2,000 earthquakes yearly, most unfelt.
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British Columbia is being reminded that the Ring of Fire is very active, following a series of major earthquakes that struck Venezuela, Japan, the Philippines, New Guinea, and California this week.
While earthquakes around the Ring of Fire occur daily and are the most active region in the world, a seismologist noted that links between earthquakes thousands of kilometres apart are rare and typically confined to specific volcanic areas.
B.C. sits on the Ring of Fire and experiences about 2,000 earthquakes per year along its coast, though most are too small to be felt. The province sees roughly half a dozen felt earthquakes annually, damaging earthquakes about once per decade, and really strong earthquakes typically centuries apart.
According to seismic experts, B.C. residents are getting closer to a large earthquake every day — tectonic plates in the region move at about the speed fingernails grow. While forecasting the exact timing of the next major quake is impossible, scientists learn from international events to better understand ground shaking and prepare the province.
B.C. operates an Earthquake Early Warning system that gives residents critical seconds to take action. Experts recommend that those who haven't already done so gather and prepare emergency supplies now.
