The Atlantic has an interesting photo retrospective of the Northridge Earthquake, which happened on January 17, 1994.

As is usually the case in big quakes, the degree of damage depends on many factors, and can vary widely. Construction techniques play a big role. So does the ground things are built on. Secondary damage, such as fires from ruptured gas lines, can be severe. Some fatalities were probably due to it happening at night.

In 1994, California was probably better able to withstand an earthquake than most parts of the country.

one of the strange things in California right now is that there has been a lull, or quiet period, in large earthquakes. if you look at the stats, there are about 4-5 large quakes (Mag 6-7) every 25 years. but since the year 2000, it has been very quiet. probably this is just some sort of random anomaly, because I don't see any reason why the forces in the ground would have changed. but one thing is for sure, we do seem to be overdue for something big to happen. where and when is anybody's guess.

Pete

I am not a geologist or seismologist but it could be that the fault has slipped until it reached a stronger outcropping of rock.

Earthquake prediction is an oxymoron, if there ever was one. The two plates meeting at the San Andreas Fault are slipping past one another at about the speed at which your fingernails are growing, so there are all kinds of variables in play that determine when things go bump. Eventually, the plate on which I live will arrive at Alaska, so maybe i will get to shake hands with ETSers there. Don't hold your breath, though.

I remember Northridge 1994 quite well. I was sleeping in an upper bunk on San Miguel Island and got an E ticket ride, as well as a delay in travel plans....What is amazing is that, despite a fair amount of infrastructure reinforcing and improvements, the powers that be in Los Angeles haven't got around to identifying and improving the many buildings that are vulnerable to the next large movement. You would think that those of us living in SoCal would be sensitive and responsive to the tectonic hazard.

"a stronger outcropping of rock."

in which case the stronger outcropping of rock, wherever it is (underground) is going to break sooner or later. And when it does ...

Pete

The total number of people killed from 1996 to 2012 was estimated at around 896,000 people world wide due to earthquakes. The Number of people killed in the USA over the same period was 2.

Probably better worrying about putting your trousers on while sitting down rather than standing up.

Good point - worrying about death by EQ is somewhat like being concerned about attacks by wild animals, etc. - not statistically probable.

On the other hand, something like 48 people died in one collapsed apartment building in Northridge. Good construction makes all the difference - earth and unreinforced masonry bad- decent frame good.

The local hospital is erecting a major addition. They have been several months on nothing but the foundation, building (digging, actually) to keep it from succumbing to liquifaction. Now that the frame is going up, I am impressed with the massive beams and extensive bracing. Remind me of that the next time I pay for their services....

I was struck especially by the pics of the 3 vehicles left very high up on a surviving span, with no visible way off it, except by air evac. or rappelling. Wonder how long the wait was. Good reason to keep necessities in a vehicle.
The National Guardsman standing guard in his camo. appears to be wielding an M-16 without a clip in it: An imposing club.

Guess the rules of engagement for this particular mission makes loading the weapon somewhat ... superfluous. But he still has to make sure the "club" isn't stolen or run over by a truck.

I don't recall hearing much about violence associated with that quake, but then again, I was not there. Perhaps one of our California members can recall whether the National Guard had to shoot anyone after the Northridge Earthquake? Or even club anyone?

Famdoc-
Note that one loads an M-16 with a magazine, not a clip. There is a difference.