Tsunami Information

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are rare, but dangerous. Possible causes include:

  • Sudden movements on the sea floor
  • Earthquakes
  • Underwater landslides
  • Land slumping into the ocean
  • Large volcanic eruptions
  • Meteorite impact in the ocean

Our greatest chance of a damaging tsunami will follow a major earthquake — in the range of magnitude 9.0 off the coast of Vancouver Island. Earthquakes are common in B.C. We record more than 1,200 earthquakes each year, and most are too small to feel.

  • Like earthquakes, tsunamis can happen any time or any day.
  • We can’t predict a tsunami before one is generated.
  • They usually arrive as a series of waves.
  • Each wave may arrive minutes apart.

Tsunami map 

Central Saanich is in Zone D (east side) and E (west side), seen here 

It is important to know if the areas that you frequent are in a tsunami hazard zone before a tsunami hits. The District of Central Saanich and the CRD have developed interactive tsunami maps to help you identify tsunami hazard zones.

Recommended Actions

  • Do not go to the shore to observe the tsunami.
  • Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbours, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.
  • Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials because they may have more detailed or specific information for your location.
  • Do not return to the coast until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so.
  • Boat operators: where time and conditions permit, move your boat out to sea to a depth of at least 180 feet; if at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbours, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.

Register for Saanich Peninsula Alert System

North Saanich, Sidney, and Central Saanich municipalities have joined together to provide public safety alerts to the residents and visitors of the Saanich Peninsula.

 

This system is called Saanich Peninsula Alert and is designed to deliver critical and potentially life-saving alerts to anyone who has registered. Alerts would be sent for events such as earthquakes, tsunami alerts, evacuation notices, or other safety threats. There is no sign up fee for Saanich Peninsula Alert.

REGISTER

To receive alerts, please register with Saanich Peninsula Alert. Your participation in this system is voluntary and all information you provide is protected and confidential.

At any time you may ​edit or unsubscribe.

If you have any questions, please email info@saanichpeninsulaalert.ca