TOP 5 MOST SIGNIFICANT EARTHQUAKES IN LOS ANGELES

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Earthquakes are common to California.  But did you know in the last 250 years there have been approximately 42 significant earthquakes (stronger than 5M) reported in Los Angeles County.  Here are TOP 5 of the most significant earthquakes:

(1) 1769 the first earthquake reported in the area was by Spanish explorers in the Portola expedition who were exploring the area to find the new lands to settle. It is estimated to have been around 7M.

(2) Long Beach earthquake of 1933 caused $50 million in property damage and was estimated to be 6.4M in strength.

  • It established the need for earthquake resistant design for structures in Los Angeles

  • Most fatalities happened when people ran out of the buildings.

(3) Whittier Narrows earthquake of 1987 was centered near Rosemead Blvd and San Gabriel Blvd and was 5.9M in strength.

  • It caused major damages to the San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Alhambra and San Gabriel) and an estimated excess of $350 million in property losses.

  • It also caused severe damage to the I-605 and I-5 interchange.

(4) Sierra Madre earthquake of 1991 caused roughly $40 million in property damage in the San Gabriel Valley.

(5) Northridge earthquake of 1994 is notorious for being the last big earthquake in Southern California.

  • The earthquake’s duration was seven seconds and had a strength of 6.7M.

  • It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever measured in an urban areas of North America.

    • It caused extensive damage to the freeway network in LA county causing major congestion in surface streets for months after.

The next big earthquake can happen anytime and being prepared can make all the difference.  You can check out our article on Earthquake Preparedness Tips for more info on how prepare yourself and your family.   

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Sources:

https://forsehock.wordpress.com/significant-la-area-earthquakes-1769-present  

http://www.mysafela.org/earthquake-history

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/08/140825-earthquake-california-biggest-magnitude-history/