The Los Angeles Fire Department is set to observe the 30th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake this Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of residents preparing for future earthquakes and natural disasters. The commemoration serves as a reminder of the significant devastation caused by this historic seismic event.
On January 17, 1994, the magnitude-6.7 Northridge Earthquake struck in the early morning hours, leaving in its wake a toll of at least 57 lives lost (some estimates put it at 61) and 11,846 individuals treated at hospitals in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Property losses soared to $40 billion, making it the costliest disaster in U.S. history. Insured losses were estimated at $12.5 billion, with federal government aid reaching $13 billion.
Across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties, a total of 114,039 residential and commercial structures suffered damage, with 9,001 in Ventura County and only 19 in Orange County, according to local business departments.
This quake, occurring at five seconds before 4:31 a.m., affected a vast area of 2,192 square miles and was the first earthquake to knock out power across the entire metropolis of Los Angeles. The San Fernando Valley was plunged into darkness, with only a few fires visible for miles.
LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and other department officials will gather on Wednesday morning to reflect on the events of that fateful day, sharing their experiences in responding to the disaster. They will discuss rescue efforts and the city’s recovery from the aftermath. Additionally, they aim to use this occasion to encourage residents to be prepared for future earthquakes or disasters.
The LAFD sees the 30th anniversary as an opportunity for an important public call to preparedness, urging citizens to learn from the lessons of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and adopt a proactive mindset towards preparedness.
In downtown Los Angeles, Caltrans officials will join to honor the efforts of public servants who safely rebuilt highways following the disaster. An exhibit at Caltrans’ downtown headquarters will document the quake and the transportation-worker response, showcasing photographs, historical documents, and newspaper clippings. The exhibit will be open to the public for four weeks, offering insight into the resilience and recovery efforts that followed the Northridge Earthquake.
