30 Years Ago: Northridge Earthquake - A Devastating Memory

Remembering the Impact

WEB On January 17, 1994, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the densely populated San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. The Northridge Earthquake, as it became known, was the most costly American earthquake since the 1906 San Francisco quake.

Magnitude and Impact

WEB Occurring at 4:31 a.m., the Northridge Earthquake caused widespread damage and disruption. With a magnitude of 6.7, it was one of the strongest earthquakes to hit a major metropolitan area in the United States. The shaking lasted for nearly 20 seconds, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.