The Gaston Gazette in Gastonia, North Carolina

Hidden faults off Southern California coast raise quake risk

Researchers report two hidden faults off the Los Angeles Orange and San Diego counties may unleash magnitude 7.6 earthquakes. Worst cases suggest quakes about every 960 to 2300 years on one fault and about 8800 years on the other, with possible smaller, more frequent ruptures. A 7.6 quake could cause widespread damage. the 1994 Northridge event killed 72 and caused about $35 billion in damage.