From the archives: ABC7 coverage of the 1994 Northridge earthquake
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- On Jan. 17, 1994, a massive earthquake struck the Southland. Here is archived footage of ABC7's coverage of the quake and the devastating aftermath.
At 4:31 a.m. that day, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Southern California. It will forever be known as the Northridge earthquake, though it was discovered days later that the epicenter was actually in Reseda.
The temblor flattened freeways, buildings and apartments. And it also broke gas lines, starting hundreds of fires.
Marc Brown reported from the field, visiting many impacted areas, including Santa Monica. Archived video of his coverage can be seen in the video above.
MORE: Northridge earthquake - A look back
One-hundred structures, including homes, businesses and public buildings, were designated too dangerous for human habitation in Santa Monica. Also, 141 structures were described "enter at your own risk."
The Third Street Promenade was covered in yellow warning tape, though structural damage appeared to be light.
This was not the case with Santa Monica Boulevard, where older buildings did not do well.
ARCHIVED VIDEO: 1994 Northridge earthquake severely damages SoCal home
The quake destroyed and damaged many homes. One SoCal man said his grandmother's home was severely damaged in the quake. She had lived in the house for 65 years, and it is all she had.
Marc Brown got a tour of the house, and family members told him that losing the house was like losing precious memories they made in the residence through the years. Archived video of his interview can be seen in the video above.
A total of 57 people had died and billions of dollars in damage was left behind. It took years and nearly $50 billion to rebuild.
MORE: Prepare SoCal - Disaster Preparedness in Los Angeles and Southern California
