Officially the earthquake only lasted 10 seconds but for me it seemed a lifetime. The earthquake was more destructive than any other in modern California history. Damage estimates over $30 billion U.S. dollars. The great quake of 1989 in San Francisco total damages were considerbly less at $7 billion dollars.
When the major shaking was through, 60 people were dead, 16 of them were my neighbors, over 7,000 people were injured and 20,000 became homeless. More than 40,000 buildings were damaged with one of the worst being the Northridge Meadows Apartment complex centered in the heart of the quake zone.
This maps shows how wide spread the damage was.
Photo taken & credited to Times Magazine January 31st 1994 Issue.
The fault line in the San Fernando Valley was previously unknown. The quake rumbled violently from a 70 mile fracture in the earth's crust. The quake began from 10 miles underground.
Los Angeles was virtually blacked out and the quake even caused many people in Idaho to loose power. Officials would later declare more than 5,000 buildings unsafe.
People flocked to local supermarkets clearing the shelves of bottled water and food supplies. The lines for gasoline went around the block and radio and flashlight batteries were in high demand for all the people who were not prepared. (Most of us I think.)
The slogan for Los Angeles was "Welcome to L.A. Some assembly required."
