On January 17, 1994, an earthquake rocked Los Angeles, California, killing at least 57 people and damaging or destroying thousands of buildings. The Northridge quake, named after the San Fernando Valley community near its epicenter, was the costliest in U.S. history, with damages estimated at more than $20 billion.
More to Explore
Recommended Articles
-
San Francisco Earthquake of 1906
On April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake shook San Francisco in the early morning hours, leaving the city in shambles.
-
Taiwan earthquake of 1999
On September 21, 1999, an earthquake in Taiwan killed thousands of people and caused billions of dollars in damages, leaving an estimated 100,000 homeless.
-
Mexico City earthquake of 1985
On September 19, 1985, a powerful earthquake struck Mexico City and left 10,000 people dead, 30,000 injured and thousands more homeless.
-
Galveston Hurricane of 1900
On September 8, 1900, a Category 4 hurricane ripped through Galveston, Texas, killing an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people.
Did You Know?
Southern California has about 10,000 earthquakes every year, although most are so small they aren’t felt.
Contents
Northridge Earthquake: January 17, 1994
At 4:31 a.m. on January 17, 1994, a 6.7-magnitude quake struck the San Fernando Valley, a densely populated area of Los Angeles located 20 miles northwest of the city's downtown. The quake was caused by the sudden rupture of a previously undocumented blind thrust fault.
Damage was widespread, as buildings, shopping centers, parking lots and portions of major freeways all collapsed. At least 57 people perished, while thousands more were injured. At the Northridge Meadows apartment complex, 16 people were killed, all of whom lived on the first floor, when the three-story, stucco-and-wood structure fell down on them. A motorcycle police officer died when his vehicle plunged off of a just-collapsed section of freeway.
The fact that the quake occurred on a federal holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and in the early morning hours when most people were home in bed was critical in reducing the number of casualties. Another important factor was that the building and safety codes in Los Angeles had been strengthened following a powerful quake in the San Fernando Valley in 1971 (also called the Sylmar Earthquake).
Northridge Earthquake: Aftermath
Following the Northridge disaster, which was responsible for estimated damages in excess of $20 billion, the majority of insurance companies representing homeowners in California severely restricted--or completely stopped offering—new policies because the law required them to also offer earthquake coverage. In response, the state created the California Earthquake Authority as a publicly managed, primarily privately funded organization providing basic residential earthquake coverage.
Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!
This Day in History
May 23
Lead Story
Police kill famous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, 1934
On this day in 1934, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police while driving a stolen car…
Shop HISTORY
-
9/11 10th Anniversary DVD Set
Exclusive. History commemorates the 10th anniversary of the attacks on New York’s World Trade Center with three new special programs.
$37.99
Buy Now -
Swamp People Troy Mask
Want the ultimate Big Head? The Swamp People Troy Mask is for Cajuns and Cajuns at heart.
$44.99
Buy Now
Email Updates
Keep up with the latest History shows, online features, special offers and more.
Sign up
