Today: 32nd anniversary of Jan. 17, 1994, earthquake

By Signal Staff

Jan. 17, 2026, marks 32 years to the day since the costliest earthquake in U.S. history, a magnitude-6.7 event, struck at 4:31 a.m.  

While the epicenter was identified as being in Northridge — and the heaviest damage was in the western San Fernando Valley — the quake also devastated the neighboring Santa Clarita Valley, leaving many even decades later discussing how the natural disaster continues to impact the community, local attitudes and even statewide legislation.  

The death toll was ultimately counted at 72 lives, according to the U.S. Department of Conservation, which valued the economic impact at more than $60 billion.  

More than 22,000 residents, including a countless number living in Santa Clarita, were displaced.   

Two years ago, on the 30^th anniversary of the quake, The Signal published a retrospective on the quake including photos and a video in which local leaders reflected on their memories of the quake. To view the story, photos and video, go to signalscv.com/2024/01/30-years-since-6-7. 

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