Coast residents are being warned to use caution below the high tide line, after a large earthquake in Chile has resulted in a tsunami advisory for the British Columbia coast.
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile early this morning (Saturday, Feb. 27), with the death toll at 120 and rising, according to early media reports.
A tsunami advisory means there is a possibility of strong, localized currents, according to the provincial emergency program website. The website states that no significant flooding is expected, however low-laying coastal areas and beaches are considered "at risk."
Coast emergency program co-ordinator Bill Elsner said that at this time, he's not unduly worried about Davis Bay, which experienced flooding in a late-January wind storm.
"If [people] are above the high tide line then we're not worried," he said.
Should the risk level rise to a point of concern, he said, residents can expect door-to-door notification.
Beyond using caution at the beach, Elsner encouraged Coast residents to monitor the situation by checking for updates at the provincial emergency program's website, at www.pep.bc.ca.
