The 1994 Northridge earthquake was named for Northridge based on early estimates of the location of the quake 's epicenter ; however , further refinements showed it to be technically in neighboring Reseda . The earthquake , which occurred on a blind thrust fault , was one of the strongest ground motions ever recorded in North America . Freeways collapsed , and many buildings suffered irreparable damages . Vertical and horizontal accelerations lifted structures off their foundations . During the 1994 quake , the Northridge Hospital Medical Center remained open and treated more than 1,000 patients who came to the facility during the first few days after the 6.7-magnitude quake
1994 Northridge earthquake
1994 Northridge earthquake
Northridge, Los Angeles