The Great California Earthquake (1906)

The 1906 Great California Earthquake was a powerful and destructive quake that struck San Francisco and surrounding areas on April 18, 1906. It measured approximately magnitude 7.8 and was caused by the movement along the San Andreas Fault, a major fault line in California. The shaking lasted about a minute, causing extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. Fires broke out afterward, worsening destruction. This earthquake is one of the most significant natural disasters in U.S. history, leading to thousands of deaths, widespread homelessness, and significant changes in building codes and disaster preparedness.