Depth Of Alaska Earthquake — And Strong Building Codes — Likely Prevented More Damage, Saved Lives

A 7.0 earthquake eight miles north of Los Angeles, with millions of people within its reach, would likely be devastating. In fact, the 6.7 Northridge Earthquake in 1994 killed 72 people, injured more than 9,000 and caused $25 billion in damage. The epicenter was 20 miles west-northwest of Los Angeles, with an origin measured at 11 miles below the earth’s surface. Friday’s Alaska shaker eight miles north of Anchorage (population 294,356) was nearly three times stronger, yet its impact was relatively minor. No deaths were reported and damage was mostly limited to fractured roads, bridges, and buildings, officials said.