Magnitude 3.9 earthquake ‘lightly felt’ in Victoria, B.C.

(Credit: Earthquakes Canada)

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake that struck in Washington state Wednesday afternoon was “lightly felt” in B.C.’s capital, according to seismologists.

The quake hit approximately 58 kilometres southeast of Victoria, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca near the small community of Blyn.

In an incident report, Earthquakes Canada said there have been no reports of damage, and “none would be expected.”

British Columbians have been paying close attention to seismic activity in recent weeks, following the 4.7-magnitude earthquake that rattled the Sunshine Coast on Feb. 21, and was felt by many across the Lower Mainland.

Another earthquake near the U.S. San Juan Islands woke some B.C. residents up on Monday.

Seismologists have stressed the recent incidents are not cause for concern, as thousands of earthquakes are detected annually in B.C.

Residents are still advised to prepare for the “Big One” – a massively destructive megathrust earthquake that experts warn is coming sooner or later – by having supplies and plans ready for either sheltering in place or evacuating.