Earthquake in the Whatcom Region this morningPhoto by(Fernando Gonzalez/Bellingham Metro News)

BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON - A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was felt across parts of the Pacific Northwest early this morning, rattling homes and waking up residents in Vancouver Island, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties. The quake struck at 4:05 a.m., approximately 12 miles from Victoria, British Columbia, with tremors being felt as far as Bellingham, Lynden, and Mount Vernon, as well as across the waters in Oak Harbor, The San Juans and surrounding areas.

The felt-map also highlights that it may have been felt as far south as the Seattle Metro Area and as far north as Northern Vancouver.

The epicenter was located near Saanichton, just over 12 kilometers west of Victoria, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While no significant damage has been reported, residents described the quake as a startling jolt in the early morning hours.

Widespread Reports from Local Communities

Reports quickly poured in from local residents who felt the shaking. In Whatcom County, people from Ferndale, Lynden, and Bellingham shared their experiences. "I definitely felt that one. It jolted the bed," said Crystal Vance of Ferndale. Another Bellingham resident, Laura Cano, confirmed feeling the quake around 4:04 a.m. in the Cordata area. Others in Lynden, Sumas, and Everson also described the tremor as strong enough to wake them up.

In Skagit County, Deanne Nelson from Mount Vernon reported her dresser handles rattling, while residents of Anacortes and surrounding areas confirmed feeling mild shaking. Across Island County, Oak Harbor residents felt the quake as well, with reports of bed-shaking and minor creaking noises in homes.

Victoria and Vancouver Island Impact

The epicenter being so close to Victoria made the earthquake even more noticeable on Vancouver Island. Residents in the region reported a strong, brief shake. "I thought my dog was scratching at my bed, but she was in the other room," said Charles Drake, a Victoria resident, describing his experience on social media.

Despite the widespread coverage, the earthquake appears to have caused minimal disruption. "I live between Bellingham and Lynden, but I missed it," shared Angie Huggins, while others humorously noted their deep sleep protected them from any awareness of the quake.

Expert Insights and Future Preparedness

According to seismologists, the Pacific Northwest is prone to seismic activity, and while magnitude 4.0 quakes are not uncommon, this particular quake served as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability. “We’ve had quite a few earthquakes lately over that way,” commented a local geology enthusiast. Jeremy Mase, who spent time in Alaska, downplayed the quake’s intensity, saying, “4.1 is barely noticeable after living through Alaska quakes.”

As the area lies near multiple fault lines, including the Cascadia Subduction Zone, experts emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness. Many communities along the coast are aware of the potential for a much larger seismic event, often referred to as “the big one,” which could significantly impact the region.

No Immediate Damage, But A Wake-Up Call

Despite no reports of damage, many residents expressed relief that the quake was relatively mild. The brief tremor is a reminder for residents in both the U.S. and Canada to ensure they have safety plans in place for future earthquakes.

Emergency services across the affected counties are urging residents to review their preparedness kits and stay informed on earthquake safety guidelines. As always, local authorities recommend having enough supplies for at least 72 hours, securing heavy objects in homes, and practicing drop, cover, and hold-on drills.

For the latest updates, visit the USGS website or follow regional emergency response teams for more information.

Did you feel it?
Residents who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS via their "Did You Feel It?" portal to help improve understanding of seismic impacts across different regions.