Far too many Angelenos are now struggling to find a way forward from the recent disastrous fires and, thanks to the heroic efforts of thousands of fire fighters and first responders, we hope that the worst is over.
Our area has faced similar traumas in the past and while we are fortunate to escape the plethora of hurricanes and tornados that sweep across parts of our country each year, we have had our share of fires and earthquakes to contend with. The 2 largest quakes that hit California were 7.9 magnitude, but both were more than a century ago. These are the more recent:
2019 – Ridgecrest Quakes – 6.4 & 7.1 – Mostly in sparsely populated areas although it was felt across Southern California. Property damage; no fatalities.
1994 – Northridge Quake – 6.7. Tremors from Baja to Bakersfield. The costliest damage in U.S. history, $20 billion in property damage, another $40 billion in economic loss. 57 people died and more than 9,000 were injured.
1992 – Landers Quake – 7.3 – Epicenter in a rural part of San Bernadino, damage was minimal. One person was killed.
1971 – Sylmar Quake – 6.6 – Epicenter near Magic Mountain. It traveled 300 miles up and down the coast, killing 12, mostly from a nearby Veteran’s Center, injuring thousands and causing more than $500 million in damage.
1952 – Kern County Quake – 7.3 – Centered at Tehachapi. 12 people killed, hundreds injured. The early morning quake was felt across Southern California, more than $60 million in damage.
There have been numerous fires across the state but, thankfully, most have burned in wilderness areas and Southern California has been spared until now.
In 1968 the Canyon fire spread near Azusa, aggravated by Santa Ana winds. It burned 18,000 acres and killed 8 people, including 7 teenage boys.
In 1961 the Bel-Air fire spread through the canyons, destroying nearly 500 homes and more than 6,000 acres around Roscomare Rd. Fortunately, no one died. Damage in 1961 $$ was $30 million.
Losses from the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires sadly will dwarf them all.
The world is facing radical changes in climate patterns…in 2011 a 9.0 killed more than 10,000 in Japan. A recent major earthquake hit Nepal. Tidal waves, melting glaciers, rain surges here, drought there, are becoming the norm. The oceans are rising; the planet is warming. We desperately need the best men of science to help mitigate future disasters.
Our hearts go out to the victims and what they’re now facing. Our community and our government appear to be responding. Let the rebuilding begin and yield a newer, shinier, and safer Southern California.