A 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit Vancouver Island and British Columbia's Lower Mainland, causing no damage according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, which struck at a depth of 52 kilometres, was felt by hundreds of residents in Greater Victoria and Vancouver as well as in Washington state. Last month, an early detection system was activated in B.C. to provide alerts ahead of potential damaging earthquakes, and it is expected to be expanded to parts of Quebec and Ontario later this year. Meanwhile, Members of Parliament in Canada are currently debating a second motion of non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.
Major Earthquake Strikes Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland
On March 8, 2023, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Vancouver Island and British Columbia's Lower Mainland, causing no damage or injuries. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 52 kilometers, was felt by hundreds of residents in Greater Victoria, Vancouver, and Washington state.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 10 kilometers west of Langford, on Vancouver Island. The shaking was felt for several seconds in Victoria, Vancouver, Richmond, and surrounding areas.
Earthquake Preparedness and Response
In response to the earthquake, British Columbia's Emergency Management Operations Centre (EMOC) was activated to monitor the situation and provide support to affected communities. There were no reports of damage or injuries, and no tsunami warning was issued.
Last month, British Columbia launched an early detection system for potential damaging earthquakes. The system is designed to provide alerts to residents within minutes of an earthquake being detected, giving them time to take protective actions, such as drop, cover, and hold on.
The early detection system is expected to be expanded to parts of Quebec and Ontario later this year. It is part of a broader effort to improve earthquake preparedness and response across Canada.
Members of Parliament Debate Non-Confidence Motion
Meanwhile, Members of Parliament are currently debating a second motion of non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government. The motion was introduced by the Conservative Party of Canada and is based on allegations of ethical violations and mishandling of public funds.
The debate on the non-confidence motion is expected to continue for several days. If the motion passes, it could force a federal election.
FAQs
1. What caused the earthquake?
The exact cause of the earthquake is unknown, but it is believed to have been caused by the movement of tectonic plates along the Cascadia subduction zone.
2. Was there any damage from the earthquake?
No damage or injuries were reported from the earthquake.
3. How long did the earthquake last?
The shaking from the earthquake lasted for several seconds.
4. Was a tsunami warning issued?
No tsunami warning was issued.
5. What should I do if I feel an earthquake?
If you feel an earthquake, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on until the shaking stops.
In 2016, Indian Army commandos carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, marking a significant shift in India's counter-terror approach. This new policy, which adopted a more offensive and deterrent-oriented stance, was a direct response to the Uri attack and shattered the status quo that India had followed for years. The strikes not only punished those responsible but also served as a warning that terrorism emanating from across the border would not go unanswered, setting a new benchmark for India's future security strategy. This transformation has been further cemented by subsequent actions such as the Balakot airstrikes and Operation Sindoor.
India has expressed concerns over the recently signed mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, stating that it will study the implications on national security and regional stability. The pact, which aims to develop defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against aggression, is seen as a response to recent geopolitical developments in the region. India, which has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia, is reading the development cautiously, given the close strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India's rival, Pakistan.
In a significant move amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" to elevate their long-standing security partnership. The agreement includes a clause stating that any aggression against one country will be seen as an attack on the other, aiming to strengthen joint deterrence and further develop defense cooperation. With concerns about regional security on the rise, this agreement allows Saudi Arabia to formalize a partnership with a nuclear-armed state and provides Pakistan with renewed financial and diplomatic backing from a key regional power.
On his 75th birthday, the world's tallest building, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, was illuminated with images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the words "Happy Birthday" in celebration. The Indian flag's colours - saffron, white, and green - were also displayed on the iconic building to mark the special occasion. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also extended birthday wishes to Modi on social media earlier in the day.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was a special guest at India's 76th Republic-Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. This marked the second time an Indonesian President graced this event, with the first being 75 years ago. Accompanied by a delegation of six cabinet ministers and senior officials, Subianto witnessed a grand military parade and cultural performances, as well as brought a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.