Increased earthquake risk for the next week in B.C.

[Elder_MMHS]

Probably nothing too big, but just something to be aware of

B.C. in 'window' of higher earthquake risk
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/02/02/bc-quake.html?ref=rss

Seismic scientists say there is a greater probability of a major earthquake on B.C.'s South Coast in the next week, following a series of minor quakes that have worked their way up from Washington.

But seismologist Gary Rogers of the Geological Survey of Canada added that despite the increased probability of a big quake, the chances are still very low.

He and other scientists at the Geological Survey were able to predict the series of tiny tremors which moved along the Cascadia fault line from Puget Sound to Vancouver Island in the past week, he said.

"It's the first time we've had an insight into a time behaviour, and in fact, quite a predictable time behaviour on a major fault, where we know major earthquakes occur.

"What's going on right now is that the bottom portion of that fault is failing, and every time that happens, we're adding an increment of stress to the top portion that will eventually fail in a large earthquake. So when that is most likely to fail is when we are adding this increment of stress."

He and his colleagues are predicting a phenomenon called Episodic Tremor and Slip, or ETS, noting that ETS events occur in the area about every 14 months.

Each episode adds stress to the Cascadia fault line, and that makes it more likely that a major earthquake will occur, Rogers said.

"We are now in a higher window, or higher probability, if you like, for a big subduction earthquake, and we will be in a higher window for the next week or so as this event plays out."

Rogers also noted that scientists are still a long way from accurately forecasting major earthquakes. But if the big one doesn't hit B.C. this time, he said the next window of high earthquake risk will occur around April  2008.

[TSheikh]

I am getting a boat and putting it on my front lawn. 

I advice every richmondite to do the same.

[fulminatus]

Good luck keeping that boat from capsizing or being flooded =)

[silvia_s14a]

Hmmm... I wonder if Insurance will cover my semi waterfront property lol.. I better cross my fingers! I hope nothing happens or I am screwed.

[TSheikh]

LOL, i am 100% sure insurance doesn't cover natural disasters.

And if you do want a coverage fromflood or earth quake, they will only cover 50% of the damage, MAX!!!
And you will have to pay like a $1000+ extra for it.

I think when an earth quake does come, and your house gets flat, just burn it and tell them that it caught fire before the quake. lol. hahhaha, i doubt it will work but it is worth a shot.

Also, i doubt that we will experience a tsunami around the lower main land, i mean the juan de fuca plate lies after vancouver island, and the island will stop the waves from contuning to vancouver.
Quake's shock waves are only thing to fear.

[tonyzoomzoom]

If you have purchase earthquake insurance (not available in all areas of GVRD, from what I understand), then yes you will get earthquake coverage. If not, then it's SOL...

I don't know about your insurance but the one that I have covers the replacement cost of the house with a 5% deductible and the total cost of the insurance (including earthquake coverage) is around $600.

But I live in Vancouver.  So I'm assuming that for Richmond, it could be very different due to the seismic risk.

[Heavenclosed]

No tsunami will bother Vancouver.  The island has the biggest worries.  The last big one took out Port Alberni.  I haven't heard on any close ones from the Pacific warning centre. 

But for those in Richmond and Ladner, Just be happy, you will be the first ones to go.  I am up high, just have to worry about my house crumbling.

[rancid]

glad i live in Delta.  so the ground shakes for a little while...think of it as an amusement park ride! lol....ok ok maybe that wasn't the best way to put it.  If it happens, don't duck under a freakin desk...get somewhere like a door frame or in between the toilet bowl or something.  If you look at houses that are destroyed by earthquakes...the toilet bowl area survives the best along with some of the door frames.  if you ask me....i'd rather risk being covered in shit then be dead.

[TSheikh]

^ lol, Delta is the worst case of all. It is even worst than richmond. If the ground sinks, delta would be the first one to go.

I am not joking.

Btw, i will just run for the door. I have seen many cases where people think staying inside is safer and that leads to them getting either trapped or squished.

lol, toilet seat theory may also work but i am not willing to put my money on it. I guess toilet seats survive because the are all one piece but since a human cant fit inside onc, there is no point in going anywhere near them.

[rancid]

there are many different places in delta.  I just happened to live at the top of the bloody hill.  hehe....imma watch richmond sink! LOL  just kiddin.  there are parts of delta that will be affected real badly if a huge earth quake happened.  Delta, that is closest to surrey will be the least affected....mainly from at the top of the hill on scott road before you head down to the skytrain.  If you're on top you're fine....if you live near water....SOL for you.  I can see south delta, tsawassen, ladner suffering as well as the boundary bay area.

[TSheikh]

I wonder whether the buildings and houses constructed in BC are earth quake proof ?

Does anyone know about this ?

[rancid]

not all of them are but the building codes have been revised to make new houses more earthquake safe.  for old houses....all you can really do is make sure your electrical work is up to standards and that anything heavy that may tip such as entertainment centers, bookshelves are anchored properly to the wall...meaning into a stud or through drywall screw guides.

[need4speed]

If a big quake hits, Richmond will be toast cause Richmond land is basically marsh, plus the dyke will go. So Richmond is fubar in a big quake. I was just having lunch with an engineer and an actuary and we were just discussing this matter. Some but not all insurance companies will sell eathquake coverage for tenants, condos, homeowners.....standard deductibles range from 5% to 15%. Its optional coverage. You can also get this coverage for commercial properties. If you have comprehensive coverage for your car earthquake is included.......sweet.

Earthquake schmerthcake.

I dont live in Richmond (it will be underwater after a quake) and I dont live under or near a water plane or a flood plane. So bring it baby!!?

[bufli]

^ how bout near a dam or in the path...

[need4speed]

^ how bout near a dam or in the path...

fubar for sure.

hahahaha

[niteron]

You are also forgetting the San Andreas fault that runs between the Island and Vancouver. Think about it, if the San Andreas gives then no one is safe.

[Heavenclosed]

Just bought 5 gallons of water and a candle. 

[bufli]

i put some crap into my car, sleeping bag and some clothes and other random crap i might need "if/when" somethin happens too bad this is a shity time as our cars have the break in bs.. oh well

[ziegs2020]

Just bought 5 gallons of water and a candle. 

What aboot matches?!

[derek_van97]

richmond isnt a marsh. its all sediements from the fraser river. thats why the groud will liquify in an event of an earthquake. at worst, buildings will be pretty effed up but richmond wont disappear into the water.