On his day off this Tuesday, Brian Gray disconnected from social media and took a long walk along the trail overlooking Tonquin Beach in Tofino, B.C. When he returned home later that evening, he realized he had missed the earlier tsunami advisory. Upon arriving at Rhino Coffee House for his shift, Gray noticed a contrast in reactions among customers and coworkers. While local residents discussed the tsunami news casually, visitors were visibly concerned and sought reassurance that the threat had passed.
Gray, who relocated from Nova Scotia to Tofino five years ago, comforted a distressed colleague from Denmark. He observed a distinct difference in responses between locals and out-of-town individuals, noting that those farther away seemed more anxious about the earthquake.
Authorities in B.C. issued a tsunami advisory for coastal parks following a significant 8.8-magnitude earthquake east of Russia. Fortunately, only minor waves reached Vancouver Island’s shores, and the advisory was lifted early Wednesday. This event served as a valuable practice opportunity for residents familiar with emergency procedures but left first-time visitors feeling unsettled.
Residents of Tofino are well aware of the potential devastation a major earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone could bring, having rehearsed evacuation drills. According to Gray, local residents, particularly those who grew up in the area, have previous experience with evacuations and understand the importance of preparedness.
Living in a home just one meter above sea level, Marcie Callewaert-John has long been prepared to evacuate quickly with her dogs to higher ground if necessary. She and her neighbors were unfazed by the recent tsunami advisory, having reviewed their emergency plans following a previous earthquake off the coast of Alaska.
Staff at Crystal Cove Beach Resort were prepared to evacuate guests swiftly after the recent earthquake, demonstrating their readiness in the face of potential emergencies. Although evacuation was not required, the practice was deemed valuable by the resort’s general manager, J.J. Belanger.
Tourists in Tofino, such as honeymooners Kasia and Henry Weir from the UK, were caught off guard by the advisory, as they were unaware of what actions to take. The couple, staying near the water, were relieved to learn that the situation had been resolved without incident.
Seismologists and officials emphasized the importance of always being prepared for seismic events, especially for those living in vulnerable areas like the west side of Vancouver Island. Continuous public education and readiness are crucial to mitigating the impact of potential disasters.
Reflecting on the recent events, Gray acknowledged missing important alerts due to a phone number change but promptly re-registered for notifications. He emphasized the significance of staying informed and prepared for future emergencies.
By sharing experiences and lessons learned, communities can better equip themselves for potential disasters. Public education and readiness remain essential in safeguarding lives and property in the face of natural hazards.