30 Years ago. Northridge Earthquake

The Northridge Earthquake: January 17, 1994

How big was the earthquake?

On January 17, 1994, at 4:31 a.m. PST, a magnitude 6​.7 earthquake centered in Northridge struck the southern California area. Known as the Northridge Earthquake, it caused at least 57 fatalities (a subsequent study put the death toll at 72, including heart attacks) and injured thousands. The earthquake caused up to $20 billion in damage costs, plus $40+ billion in economic loss, making it the co​stliest earthquake disaster in U.S. history.

The earthquake was magnitude 6.7 on a previously unidentified thrust fault, creating strong horizontal and vertical ground motion lasting up to 10 seconds. The area of strongest shaking in the earthquake was about 30 miles in diameter from Northridge, California, encompassing southern Ventura and northern Los Angeles counties. Earthquake activity was felt as far away as Las Vegas and San Diego. 

What was the human impact?

The Northridge earthquake caused at least 57 (later classified as 72) deaths and over 9,000 injuries. Some 125,000 people were made at least temporarily homeless.

What was the damage to buildings and structures?

82,000 residential and commercial units and 5,400 mobile homes were damaged or destroyed. Many apartment complexes with “soft story” ground floor parking suffered significant damage. About 200 large steel frame buildings had significant cracking in principal beam connections. Nine parking structures collapsed and nine area hospitals required evacuation because of structural and nonstructural system failures.

Great compilation of Northridge damage photos and how the location looks today, from the Daily News.

 What was the damage to transportation and utility systems?

Seven major freeway bridges in the area collapsed, and 212 were damaged, disrupting traffic in the Ventura-Los Angeles region for weeks following the earthquake. Communication, water and power distribution systems were affected and several fires started.

What was the financial impact?

The Northridge earthquake was the costliest natural disaster to have occurred in the United States at the time and is today the third largest economic loss caused by a natural disaster in the nation’s history. The damage cost estimate reached $20 billion in damages and $49 billion in economic loss.

Are we better prepared now?

The Northridge earthquake is one of the most studied events in history. Research and scientific advancements have led to building code amendments, new financial and insurance systems, and an improved ability to mitigate and predict the outcome of future earthquakes. Read more about Advances and Lessons Learned.

More information:

https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/earthquakes/northridge

Northridge Earthquake Aerial Views 1994

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upQmUHhRWpQ

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE?

Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle.

https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes#:~:text=Prepare%20Before%20an%20Earthquake&text=Make%20an%20Emergency%20Plan%3A%20Create,fire%20extinguisher%20and%20a%20whistle.