Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement during Tsunami Preparedness Week (April 12-18, 2026):

“People in British Columbia take enormous pride in our Province’s stunning natural beauty, including the majesty of our mountains and sea. However, far below these spectacular geographic marvels lie active, moving plates that have shaped our mountains and coastlines over millions of years.

“This tectonic movement also makes B.C. the most seismically active region in Canada with an estimated 4,000 earthquakes every year. The vast majority of these are too minor to be noticed, but several are felt in various regions of the province.

“Seismic activity along or below the Pacific Ocean also puts B.C.’s coast at risk of damaging tsunamis, a series of waves usually caused by undersea earthquakes. Depending on the location of the earthquake, tsunami waves can reach the shore in a few minutes, or can take several hours. Waves can also become successively larger, so knowing what to do ahead of time can be crucial.

“If you're near the coast in a low-lying area and feel an earthquake, drop, cover and hold on. Then quickly move to high ground after the shaking stops. The shaking is your warning sign that a tsunami might be on its way. 

“If a tsunami risk is expected, the Province, through the BC Emergency Alert system, will issue emergency alerts to cellphones, radio and through television. You can also find up-to-date emergency information 24/7 at EmergencyInfoBC.ca and on Facebook and X at @EmergencyInfoBC.

“Your local government will have its own emergency-response plan. It’s important that you follow the direction from your local government or First Nation.

“Tsunami Preparedness Week is an opportunity for everyone in coastal areas to learn more about tsunamis, review emergency plans and make sure they have a grab-and-go bag packed and ready.

“This month, 30 coastal communities are hosting High Ground Hikes. These events are a great opportunity for people and communities to come together and practise evacuation routes to a tsunami-safe location in your area.

“I encourage everyone who lives along or is visiting the coast to find time this week to review your emergency plans and make sure you and your loved ones know what to do when a tsunami alert is issued.”

Learn More:

• To learn how to prepare for a tsunami, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/earthquakes-tsunamis/tsunami#during-tsunami

• To learn more about High Ground Hikes, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/education-programs-toolkits/high-ground-hike

• To learn how to build a grab-and-go bag, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/build-an-emergency-kit-and-grab-and-go-bag

• For information on evacuation alerts and orders, visit:
  https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca
  or follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X and Facebook.