Vancouver reviewing infrastructure after earthquake

What happened: First there’s the earthquake, then there’s the questions. After the 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit southern BC on Friday, there are questions about the response, alerts and impact on the region.

Breaking it down (no buildings thankfully): The quake was originally said to be 5.1, but was revised down, and struck in a remote area of the Sunshine Coast, at one kilometre in depth. It’s the most powerful earthquake in the region in years, according to CTV. There was shaking as far away as Prince George. 

• Many people in Vancouver, including those in highrises, said they felt the quake. Thankful there were no injuries reported anywhere. 

First time: The earthquake being quite shallow and to the north of Metro Vancouver is unique, and hadn’t yet been recorded by seismologists, according to the Globe and Mail. 

Broken bridges?: The city said the quake initiated a level 1 response under the City’s Earthquake Response Plan, and has sent their structural engineering team to review the city’s bridges, to understand if any damage occurred, according to CityNews. This could include cracks in the walls and foundation, but also non-structural damage that could pose issues if another one were to happen.

• Most Metro Vancouver structures can withstand a 6 or 7-magnitude earthquake. 

Criticism: The Canadian National Public Alerting System is supposed to warn people about an earthquake close to any critical area. Usually this will be sent second before an earthquake to people in the affected areas. While many people reported that they didn’t get an alert, Natural Resources Canada seismic analyst Collin Paul told CityNews that it was likely because they weren’t in the actual area. Vancouver wouldn’t have gotten a notification because the city is too far away, but some did report getting it. But the system is being evaluated after the quake. 

Looking ahead: More shallow earthquakes tend to cause aftershocks, which have been occurring, so keep an eye out for those. 

What you should do: One thing everyone should have prepared are emergency kits in case a big one strikes. The city has a handy emergency preparedness plan overview so you and your family can be prepared.