The Landers and Big Bear Earthquakes of June 28, 1992

On Sunday, June 28, 1992, at 4:58 A.M. the most powerful U.S. earthquake in 40 years rumbled through Southern California. It was the largest earthquake in California since 1952 and the second largest since 1906. The Richter magnitude (M)7.4 temblor was centered near the small desert community of Landers, approximately 110 miles east of Los Angeles and 30 miles north of Palm Springs. The earthquake was felt as far away as New Mexico, Colorado, and Idaho. Numerous significant aftershocks followed the event.

At 8:04 A.M. a second (M6.5) earthquake, centered near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains struck approximately 20 miles west of the initial shock. The two events caused one death, over 400 injuries, and around $100 million in damage to property, roads and water systems. Worst hig were the desert communities of Landers, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree, as well as Big Bear Lake in the mountains.

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