Tsunamis are rare, but dangerous events. Scientists and technical experts agree that areas around Saanich are not seriously threatened by tsunamis.

• Tsunamis can be caused by earthquakes. Earthquakes are common in BC, and more than 1,200 earthquakes are recorded each year. Most are too small to be felt, but an earthquake capable of causing structural damage is expected to occur about once every ten years, on average. A very strong earthquake is needed to generate a tsunami.
  
  
• Tsunamis, like earthquakes, may occur at any time of the day or week throughout the year.
  
  
• There is no way to predict when a tsunami may strike before one is generated.
  
  
• For Greater Victoria, our greatest chance of a damaging tsunami will follow a major earthquake occurring in the subduction zone off Vancouver Island.
  
  
• Tsunamis usually arrive as a series of waves, and each may arrive many minutes apart.

For More information, view a Saanich Specific Tsunami Brochure and Map