Since San Fernando is located in the state of California, it
is prone to earthquakes. San Fernando is located near the San Gabriel Fault.
On February 9, 1971, at 6:00 in the morning, San Fernando
residents felt the earth shake. The epicenter of this earthquake was located
about two miles away from San Fernando, in the city of Sylmar. It had a magnitude
of 6.6, and it lasted about one minute. Many aftershocks were felt, including
one with a magnitude of 5.
This earthquake claimed the lives of 65 people. It also damaged many buildings including two hospitals and schools. Two freeways were also greatly damaged. The total cost of the damage was estimated at about half a billion dollars.
Again on January 17, 1994, San Fernando was hit by another
earthquake. This time the epicenter was located about 11 miles away in the city
of Northridge. The magnitude for this earthquake was registered at 6.7, with
two aftershocks at 6.0.
The Northridge earthquake claimed the lives of 57 people.
The cost for the damages was much higher than the 1971 quake. The cost for the
damages was estimated at $20 billions.
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