30 Years Later: Remembering the Devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake

Seismic Impact: The Costliest American Earthquake in Over a Century

Destruction and Loss: A Defining Moment in Los Angeles History

Thirty years have passed since the earth shook beneath Los Angeles on January 17, 1994, unleashing the Northridge earthquake. As one of the most significant seismic events in American history, it left an indelible mark on the city and remains a sobering reminder of the destructive power of nature.

The Northridge earthquake struck at 4:31 a.m., unleashing a force of 6.7 on the Richter scale. It was the most costly American earthquake since 1906, causing an estimated $25 billion in damages. The shaking lasted for approximately 20 seconds, leaving behind a trail of collapsed buildings, shattered roadways, and widespread infrastructure damage.

The earthquake's powerful tremors were felt throughout Southern California, causing damage as far away as Santa Barbara and San Diego. Maps from the U.S. Geological Survey illustrate the intensity of the shaking, with severe ground motion concentrated in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.