Magnitude-4.1 earthquake shakes Greater Victoria

An earthquake shook Greater Victoria just after 4 a.m. Thursday.

The quake had a magnitude of 4.1, according the U.S. Geological Survey, and was centred near Sidney and D’Arcy Islands, just east of the Saanich Peninsula. It was recorded at a depth of 52 kilometres.

Within minutes, hundreds of people had reported feeling it in Greater Victoria, Duncan, the Vancouver area and Washington state.

The province's earthquake guide says that if an earthquake hits while you are in bed, you should hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow or blanket. Most injuries occur when people try to run for cover.

More information on earthquake safety and how to prepare is available through the earthquake guide.

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