Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness in Vancouver

Last night we watched in horror as multiple tsunami waves crashed their way over the Northern Japanese coastline following the country’s largest recorded earthquake that hit just offshore. 

The devastation is still sinking in following aftershocks, fires, and scrambles to connect with loved ones. This was the 7th largest earthquake in recorded history.

With the wave now making its way across the Pacific Ocean, many coastal nations have been issued either a tsunami warning or being designated as a ‘tsunami watch’ zone. Some communities in BC have also been told to evacuate. 

Links
National Weather Service – Arrival times of the wave 
National Weather Service – Warnings for West Coast and Alaska
United States Geological Survey
Google Earth’s Person Finder – also available in Japanese
Canadian Red Cross
Doctors Without Borders

Preparedness in BC
Just this past January, the Great BC ShakeOut for raising awareness about our risk of earthquakes in BC. Free workshops were also held to inform the public on how to be prepared. Japan is a very earthquake-ready country and this disaster has been overwhelming to many communities and major cities. This is also following destructive earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. Please take some time to review the following resources: City of Vancouver Earthquake Tips and BC’s Provincial Emergency Program.

Vancouver Events for Japan Disaster Relief