Northridge, California, Earthquake – January 1994

In 17 January, 1994 about 4:30 A.M, an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 hit an area of high population density twenty-five miles northwest of Los Angeles. The third major earthquake to occur in the state in 23 years. About ten million people in the Greater Los Angeles region felt the impact of the quake. Fatality estimates range from just under 60 to more than 70 people killed. This earthquake, named for its epicenter in the town of Northridge, proved to be the most costly in U.S. history. Communities throughout the San Fernando Valley and in its surrounding mountains north and west of Los Angeles were affected, causing losses of 20 billion dollars.

Because the earthquake was centered beneath a built-up urban area, the impact on buildings of all kinds was immense. Thousands of buildings were significantly damaged, and more than 1,600 became unsafe to enter.

All the link systems in the zones were partially damaged by the quake in various ways, including freeways, communications, gas, water, power, and sewage. Moreover, the delivery of water from the Colorado River and northern California was disrupted so that some areas were without water for weeks.

Maximum concentrations from the quake were felt in and near Northridge and in Sherman Oaks. Lesser, but still significant intensities were felt in Fillmore, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, and in western and central Los Angeles.