My first earthquake

I experienced my first earthquake today... but it was a bit of an anticlimax!

Click here to read a CBC article about the earthquake

Around lunchtime, my boss noticed a rattling noise coming from the windows of our office, which is on the 4th floor of a 28-storey office tower. She thought at first that the window cleaners were outside, but then realised the rattling was on the inside, caused by the Venetian blinds swaying slightly and hitting the metal window frames. We couldn't feel any shaking, but by this time everyone was wondering aloud whether it was an earthquake and whether we should get under our desks as per the recommended procedure (no one did!).

After about 30 seconds of blind rattling and slightly nervous but calm discussion as to whether it was in fact an earthquake, the rattling stopped. Everyone went straight for their phones/ Twitter/ Google and established within a minute that it WAS an earthquake!

About half an hour later, they announced over the office loudspeakers that a "minor earthquake" had occurred off the west coast of Vancouver Island, and that we should all continue working as normal. By the third time they made the announcement, the general sentiment in the office was: "we're trying to, but someone keeps interrupting us!"

Roxy was at home in our basement suite (3 kms away), and didn't feel anything. Subsequent news articles indicated that, in Vancouver, people felt it more the higher up they were in their building (which makes sense). However, there are no reports of any injuries or damage so far. Ben missed it altogether... he had just departed Fiji (en route to Brisbane) when it happened!

Anyway, that was my first earthquake. I'm rather glad I don't have a more dramatic tale for you! :)