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Grand Forks residents feel earthquake

Residents in Grand Forks were awakened by an earthquake at 5:08 a.m. this morning.

Residents in Grand Forks were awakened by an earthquake at 5:08 a.m. this morning.

The earthquake was centered near Omak, Wash. and according to numerous reports, was felt not only in Grand Forks but also in Osoyoos, Rock Creek, Kelowna and Penticton.

While initial reports indicated that the earthquake measured 4.2 on the magnitude scale, that number has since been adjusted.

"The earthquake was about 85, 90 kilometres south of Penticton, almost due south just across the U.S./Canada border – it was about 58.5 degrees north," explained Alison Bird, an earthquake seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, adding that it measured 4.3.

"We really wouldn't expect (damage), especially not in Canada," Bird said.

"I imagine things could've toppled and that sort of thing but there would certainly be no structural damage from an earthquake like this."

Bird said that it was classified as a "minor event" and there were no aftershocks.

"It's such a small event it's unlikely that we would have aftershocks," she said.

"It's a good reminder that Canada has some earthquakes; it's a seismically active country and it's good to know what to do. So drop, cover and hold on during an earthquake and get prepared."

There were no reports of damage in Grand Forks according to the city.

 



Karl Yu

About the Author: Karl Yu

After interning at Vancouver Metro free daily newspaper, I joined Black Press in 2010.
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