Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton has released the following statement to mark tomorrow’s 50th anniversary of the Great Alaskan Earthquake:

“Fifty years ago tomorrow, a 9.2-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Alaska generating a tsunami and that wreaked havoc as far south as California. Shortly after midnight, the first of six tsunami waves rolled up the Alberni Inlet on Vancouver Island and, in the coming hours, the black unforgiving waters of the Pacific tore up trees, flung cars and swept away 58 homes, stores and businesses, while damaging 375 others. 

“Among B.C.’s neighbouring states, 139 men, women and children lost their lives. And yet, despite incredible damage in communities like the Albernis, Zeballos and Hesquiaht, there were no deaths reported in B.C.

“Eyewitness reports from that night speak of the heroes: the local police, fire fighters, and Alberni Valley search and rescue volunteers who braved the rising waters, pounded on doors and urged people to get to high ground; the emergency social service volunteers who gathered to provide food, shelter and blankets to the displaced.

“That night, the tremendous force of Mother Nature was met with another incredible force - the indomitable spirit of British Columbians.

“Today, as we mark the 50th anniversary of that tsunami, I see the opportunity for a brighter future built upon that same spirit. This time we must apply it proactively, recognizing the serious risk of an earthquake and tsunami along coastal B.C. is present every day, and the fact that we each have a responsibility to prepare for the worst.

“That is why our government has launched a formal consultation process on earthquake preparedness and why we will be reaching out to British Columbians in the near future to raise the level of public education on this issue. All of this is part of how we must continually strive to improve our level of preparedness.

“It with such a resolve that, collectively and collaboratively, we can be best prepared to face the threat of another ‘big one’ just as those heroes did on March 27, 1964.”

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602