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MAP: How An 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Would Impact Vancouver

Vancouver earthquake

Photo: Andriy Baranskyy / Flickr

If a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit Vancouver, the city would face serious damage, according to a map released Wednesday.

The map shows the areas would be hit the hardest, with Chinatown, Kitsilano, South Granville and the West End seeing the worst of it. Point Grey, Strathcona, Mount Pleasant and Marpole would also face hardships.

“As a current area of focus, the City is working with leading experts to gain specific insights into the unique seismic risks presented by our geographical location, the potential impacts to different building types, and opportunities to mitigate those risks,” states City of Vancouver in a statement.

Vancouver Earthquake
Photo: City of Vancouver

The damage to southern Vancouver if an earthquake struck would be limited, but the entire city would be impacted by the powerful shake.

“While damage and disruption will occur across our city, research and modelling indicates the most extreme impacts are concentrated in a specific set of buildings and neighbourhoods,” said Chief Resilience Officer Katie McPherson. “These are primarily older, multi-family residential, and commercial buildings.”

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Vancouver ShakeOut Drill

The statement came out in time for the annual Great British Columbia ShakeOut drill, which took place Thursday.

It speaks to the importance of being prepared for when an earthquake hits.

“Know the risks, make a plan, and have the emergency supplies you need to get by so first responders can prioritize life-saving calls,” said Vancouver Fire Chief Darrell Reid.

The best thing to do during an earthquake is to “drop, cover and hold on,” said the statement.

For more metro Vancouver news, stayed tuned to our News section.

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