A tsunami advisory remains in effect along British Columbia’s coastline after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kuril Islands early Thursday morning. Emergency officials are urging residents in coastal communities to remain vigilant as wave activity is expected to reach Canadian shores within hours.
The earthquake struck at approximately 3:16 a.m. local time near the sparsely populated Kuril Islands, triggering immediate alerts across the Pacific basin. While officials have emphasized this is an advisory rather than a full evacuation warning, coastal communities from Tofino to Prince Rupert are being encouraged to stay away from beaches and harbors until the all-clear is given.
“We’re monitoring wave patterns and ocean buoy data in real-time,” said Dr. Michelle Torres, senior seismologist with Emergency Management BC. “Current projections suggest potential wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter along the BC coastline, which presents hazards primarily to boats in harbors and beachgoers, rather than significant inland flooding.”
The first tsunami waves are expected to reach Vancouver Island’s western shoreline by mid-afternoon, with subsequent coastal areas experiencing effects in the hours that follow. Local emergency response teams have activated their tsunami protocols, with particular attention to vulnerable coastal communities.
Port Alberni, which suffered substantial damage during the 1964 Alaska earthquake tsunami, has implemented precautionary measures. Harbor master James Wilson told CO24 Breaking News that boats have been secured and public access to marinas restricted until the advisory is lifted.
“We’ve seen this before and know exactly what needs to happen,” Wilson said. “Our primary concern is ensuring everyone stays informed and away from shorelines until we get confirmation that wave activity has normalized.”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has stressed that tsunami waves often arrive as a series of surges that can continue for hours, with the first wave not necessarily being the largest. The advisory specifically warns against coastal recreational activities, noting dangerous currents and unpredictable wave patterns.
This seismic event comes amid growing concerns about increased activity along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which CO24 Business recently reported could impact shipping routes and supply chains throughout the region. Seismologists have recorded 43 earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater in the Pacific basin in the past month alone—nearly double the historical average.
Tourism operators along BC’s coast have reported cancellations of whale watching tours and fishing charters, creating immediate economic impacts. The Tofino Chamber of Commerce estimates local businesses could lose upwards of $250,000 per day while the advisory remains active.
“Safety comes first, but there’s no denying this hits our operators at a crucial time in their season,” said Tofino Mayor Sarah Collins. “We’re asking visitors to respect the advisory while understanding this is a precautionary measure, not cause for panic.”
BC Ferries has announced it will continue operating major routes with enhanced safety protocols, though smaller coastal routes may experience adjustments as conditions warrant. Passengers are advised to check the BC Ferries website for real-time updates.
As coastal communities brace for potential impact, emergency officials remind residents that tsunami advisories differ from warnings. While warnings indicate imminent danger requiring immediate evacuation, advisories suggest staying away from beaches and waterways while remaining prepared for changing conditions.
For those in potentially affected areas, Emergency Management BC recommends having emergency kits ready, monitoring official channels for updates, and having evacuation plans in place should the advisory escalate.
The situation continues to develop, and CO24 Sports will provide ongoing coverage of how this advisory impacts scheduled coastal sporting events, including this weekend’s Pacific Coast Surfing Championships in Tofino, which now faces potential postponement.
