A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck an island off the west coast of Canada and a tsunami warning has been issued as the tsunami heads to the US state of Hawaii.
The major 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Queen Charlotte Islands off the west coast of Canada late Saturday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the tsunami "could cause damage along the coastline of all islands in the state of Hawaii." The expected arrival time of the tsunami is 10:28 pm local time Saturday (0828 GMT Sunday).
The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of British Columbia, southern Alaska and Hawaii. The first wave of the small tsunami, about 4 inches (101.6 millimeters), hit the southeast Alaska coastal community of Craig.
The USGS said the 7.7 magnitude temblor shook the waters around British Columbia and was followed by a 5.8 magnitude aftershock several minutes later. Several other aftershocks were reported.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center originally said there was no threat to the islands, but a warning was issued later Saturday and remains in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday. A small craft advisory is in effect until Sunday morning.
Natural Resources Canada said in a statement that the temblor was felt across much of north-central British Columbia, including Haida Gwaii as the Queen Charlotte Islands are otherwise called, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and Houston.
