1994 Northridge earthquake
An aerial view of destruction | |
ShakeMap for the event created by the United States Geological Survey | |
| UTC time | 1994-01-17 12:30:55 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 189275 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | January 17, 1994 |
| Local time | 4:30:55 a.m. PST |
| Duration | 8 seconds |
| Magnitude | 6.7 Mw |
| Depth | 11.31 mi (18.20 km) |
| Epicenter | 34°12′47″N 118°32′13″W / 34.213°N 118.537°W |
| Fault | Northridge Blind Thrust Fault |
| Type | Blind thrust |
| Areas affected | Greater Los Angeles Area Southern California United States |
| Total damage | $13–50 billion |
| Max. intensity | MMI IX (Violent) |
| Peak acceleration | 1.82 g |
| Peak velocity | >170 cm/s |
| Casualties | 57 killed > 8,700 injured |
The 1994 Northridge earthquake affected Greater Los Angeles, California, on January 17, 1994, at 04:30:55 PST. The epicenter of the moment magnitude 6.7 (Mw) blind thrust earthquake was beneath the San Fernando Valley. Lasting approximately 8 seconds and achieving the largest peak ground acceleration of over 1.7 g, it was the largest earthquake in the area since 1971. Shaking was felt as far away as San Diego, Turlock, Las Vegas, Richfield, Phoenix, and Ensenada. Fifty-seven people died and more than 9,000 were injured. In addition, property damage was estimated to be $13–50 billion, making it among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.