Los Angeles sits on a shaky foundation. Surrounded by active fault lines like the San Andreas, this sunny city has faced countless earthquakes over centuries. From early tremors felt by Spanish explorers to modern quakes that tested skyscrapers, each event shaped how LA prepares for the next big one. Let’s explore the most significant earthquakes in Los Angeles history, uncover their impacts, and learn how the city stays ready.

Early Earthquakes in Los Angeles (1700s–1800s)

1. The 1769 Portolá Expedition Quake (Magnitude 6.0)

On July 28, 1769, Spanish explorers led by Gaspar de Portolá camped near the Santa Ana River when the ground shook violently. Missionary Juan Crespi wrote about the quake—the first recorded in LA’s history. Though no towns existed yet, the tremors hinted at the region’s unstable geology.

2. 1812 San Juan Capistrano Earthquake (Magnitude 7.1)

This massive quake struck 50 miles southeast of LA, collapsing a mission church and killing 40 people. While not centered in LA, it rattled the area and showed how far seismic waves could travel.

3. 1858 San Bernardino Aftershock (Magnitude 6.0)

A powerful aftershock of the 1857 Fort Tejon quake shook San Bernardino, proving even distant faults could jolt LA. Early settlers realized the land wasn’t as steady as it seemed.

20th Century Earthquakes: LA’s Wake-Up Calls

1. 1933 Long Beach Earthquake (Magnitude 6.4)

At 5:54 PM on March 10, 1933, a quake tore through Long Beach, killing 115 people and destroying schools. The disaster led to California’s Field Act, requiring stronger school designs.

2. 1971 San Fernando Earthquake (Magnitude 6.6)

Before dawn on February 9, 1971, the San Fernando Valley shook for 60 seconds. Collapsed hospitals and highways revealed flaws in building safety, prompting stricter codes for bridges and hospitals.

3. 1987 Whittier Narrows Quake (Magnitude 5.9)

A hidden fault under East LA caused $358 million in damage. Older buildings crumbled, pushing the city to reinforce brick structures and update water pipes.

4. 1994 Northridge Earthquake (Magnitude 6.7)

One of LA’s darkest moments struck at 4:31 AM on January 17, 1994. The Northridge quake flattened apartments, buckled freeways, and forced engineers to rethink how buildings handle shaking.

21st Century Quakes: Modern Warnings

1. 2008 Chino Hills Earthquake (Magnitude 5.4)

This midday tremor in 2008 swayed LA skyscrapers but caused little damage. It tested the city’s early warning systems, showing tech could save lives.

2. 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquakes (Magnitudes 6.4 and 7.1)

Though centered 120 miles away, these back-to-back quakes rattled LA. The 7.1 mainshock—California’s strongest in 20 years—reminded everyone that danger lurks beyond city limits.

3. 2024 Bakersfield and Puente Hills Tremors

A magnitude 5.2 quake near Bakersfield and a 4.4 jolt near downtown LA kept residents on edge. Scientists warned these smaller shakes might hint at bigger threats.

Why Does Los Angeles Get So Many Earthquakes?

LA’s turmoil comes from its location on the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. The San Andreas Fault steals headlines, but smaller faults like Puente Hills and Sierra Madre hide beneath neighborhoods. When these faults slip, the earth shakes—sometimes lightly, sometimes catastrophically.

How Earthquakes Changed Los Angeles

• Stricter Building Codes: After the 1933 Long Beach quake, schools became earthquake-resistant.
• Stronger Infrastructure: The 1971 San Fernando quake led to retrofitting hospitals and highways.
• Early Warnings: Today, apps like MyShake alert Angelenos seconds before shaking starts.

Earthquake Safety Tips for Los Angeles Residents

1. Drop, Cover, Hold On: Protect yourself during shaking.
2. Secure Heavy Furniture: Anchor bookshelves and TVs to walls.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock water, food, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.
4. Know Your Fault Zones: Check maps to see if you live near active faults.

FAQs About Los Angeles Earthquakes

Q: What was the worst earthquake in LA history?

A: The 1994 Northridge quake caused $20 billion in damage and 57 deaths, making it LA’s costliest disaster.

Q: Is Los Angeles due for a big earthquake?

A: Scientists warn the San Andreas Fault could unleash a magnitude 8+ quake. LA’s readiness will determine how we survive it.

Q: Can small earthquakes prevent bigger ones?

A: Not always. While small quakes release stress, they don’t stop major faults from rupturing.

Q: How do I check if my home is earthquake-safe?

A: Hire a structural engineer to inspect foundations, walls, and chimneys.

Los Angeles’ earthquake history teaches resilience. Each tremor exposes weaknesses and pushes the city to innovate. By learning from the past, Angelenos build a safer future—one reinforced building at a time.