NEWS
When the Ground Moves: California Practices for What It Cannot Prevent
Friday, October 17, 2025
Nearly a million San Diegans participated in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, a reminder that some of life's most disruptive forces can't be avoided—only prepared for. In a state with a 99% chance of a major earthquake in the next two decades, the question isn't if but how we'll respond when stability itself gives way.
Key Facts
- 980,458 San Diego County residents participated in the 2024 Great California ShakeOut drill, with over 10.3 million registered statewide
- California has a 99% chance of experiencing a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake in the next 30 years
- The last major earthquakes to strike heavily populated California areas were Loma Prieta (1989) and Northridge (1994)—over 30 years ago
- California's MyShake early warning app has over 4 million downloads and can provide up to 30 seconds of warning before shaking begins
- Studies show people are twice as likely to be injured in an earthquake if they're moving around rather than sheltering in place
- A potential magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas fault could cause 2,000 deaths and over $200 billion in damage