1925 Santa Barbara earthquake
 Paso Robles
Santa Ana
 |
|
| Date | June 29, 1925 |
|---|---|
| Origin time | 14:44 UTC |
| Magnitude | 6.8 Mw |
| Depth | Unknown |
| Epicenter | 34°18′N 119°48′W / 34.3°N 119.8°WCoordinates: 34°18′N 119°48′W / 34.3°N 119.8°W |
| Type | probably left-lateral reverse |
| Areas affected |
Central Coast (California) United States |
| Total damage | $8 million |
| Max. intensity | IX (Violent) |
| Casualties | 13 |
The 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake hit the area of Santa Barbara, California on June 29, with a moment magnitude of 6.8 and a maximum Mercalli Intensity of IX (Violent). It resulted in 13 casualties and destroyed the historic center of the city, with damage estimated at $8 million (about $111 million in 2017).
Although no foreshocks were reported felt before the mainshock, a pressure gauge recording card at the local waterworks showed disturbances beginning at 3:27 a.m., which were likely caused by foreshocks. At 6:44 a.m. the mainshock occurred which lasted 19 seconds. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the sea off the coast of Santa Barbara, in the Santa Barbara Channel. The fault on which it occurred appears to have been an extension of the Mesa fault or the Santa Ynez system. The earthquake was felt from Paso Robles (San Luis Obispo County) to the north to Santa Ana (Orange County) to the south and to Mojave (Kern County) to the east.
Major damage occurred in the city of Santa Barbara and along the coast, as well as north of Santa Ynez Mountains, including Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys.
Though thirteen people died, it may have been far worse without the actions of three, later recognized heroes, who shut off the town gas and electricity preventing a possible catastrophic fire. Most homes survived the earthquake in relatively good shape, although nearly every chimney in the city crumbled. The downtown of Santa Barbara was destroyed; only a few buildings along State Street, the main commercial street in the city, were still standing after the earthquake. The City Cab building and The Californian and Arlington garages, all large and fully occupied parking structures, collapsed full with cars of those traveling and on vacation. Many other vehicles were crushed in the downtown area, and at least one death resulted when a driver was caught at the wheel near the San Marcos building as walls of buildings fell onto the cars parked there.
...
Wikipedia