British Columbia struck by moderate natural disaster

A 4.9 magnitude quake hit near Victoria at 11:39 p.m. on Tuesday, causing tremors that were felt across Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands.

Tom Eades, a 911 dispatcher with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in Washington, says his agency received lots of calls but no reports of damage or injuries. Experts say that a quake with a magnitude of 7.3 could prove catastrophic, resulting in as many as 10,000 deaths, while some buildings would collapse, the Vancouver Observer reports.

There were no reports of damage, injuries or impacts on the BC Hydro system.

Others on Twitter noted beds shaking, dishes rattling, and Christmas decorations tinkling.

“It was like a big truck was coming in”, Franke said.

The temblor was followed by several apparent aftershocks, including one with a preliminary magnitude of 3.8 at 5:53 p.m. and another with a preliminary magnitude of 3.2, according to the USGS.

After the quake struck B.C., residents turned to social media to share updates, post tips, and comment on B.C.’s preparedness.

Quake experiences can instead be registered through the Earthquakes Canada website.

TransLink temporarily shut down the Millenium and Expo lines of the SkyTrain as a precaution after Tuesday night’s natural disaster, but spokeswoman Anne Drennan said they, along with bus bridges, were reopened for one last run.

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