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Update (July 4): For updates on these quakes as well as several others that have since taken place, including in California and Oregon, see this article.

A strong earthquake hit off the coast of British Columbia near Queen Charlotte Sound between Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island tonight.

The temblor struck at 9:30 pm. today (July 3) and was reported to be lightly felt on Vancouver Island and the mainland coast.

Earthquakes Canada measured it as a 5.8-magnitude seismic event, while the U.S. Geological Survey reported it as a 6.2-magnitude quake according to preliminary measurements.

The epicentre was located at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles) and 211 kilometres (131 miles) southwest of Bella Bella, 353 kilometres (218 miles) southwest of Kitimat, and 581 kilometres (361 miles) northwest of Vancouver.

Although small earthquakes occasionally occur in the region, the last earthquake in the area larger than 6.0-magnitude was recorded on October 2, 2012, when a 7.8-magnitude quake struck.

According to both Earthquakes Canada and the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centre, a tsunami is not expected from this quake.

Earlier today, a 3.9-magnitude quake also hit further north off the Pacific coastline at 3:36 a.m. between Haida Gwaii and Prince of Wales Island.

The epicentre was located at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles) and was 93 kilometres (58 miles) southwest of Craig, Alaska, and 290 kilometres (180 miles) northwest of Prince Rupert.