'Quake aftershocks shake northwestern Vancouver Island

What is being characterized as an aftershock from last week's earthquake hit northwestern Vancouver Island early Thursday morning, centred in almost the same area as the 6.3 magnitude earthquake last week.

According to Natural Resources Canada, the 4.0 magnitude quake occurred at 4 a.m., but at 25 kilometres below the Earth's crust, it was not strong enough to cause a tsunami or any major damage.

"There are no reports of this earthquake being felt. This is likely an aftershock of the [magnitude] 6.3 earthquake of Friday, Sept. 9. There are no reports of damage, and none would be expected," according to Natural Resources' Earthquakes Canada website.

Last Friday's earthquake was felt as far away as Kelowna and Seattle as taller buildings swayed from the vibrations, but no damage or injuries were reported from that quake either.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported it recorded 16 quakes since midnight — including three of magnitude 6.0 or greater — one off New Zealand, one off the east coast of Japan, and one in the Cuba region, although none caused a tsunami or major damage.