On the 35th anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake, Breed announced multiple measures to enhance earthquake resilience.

During the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, San Francisco’s Mayor London Breed, along with U.S. Congressman Kevin Mullin, San Francisco Fire Chief Sandy Tong, Police Chief Bill Scott, and regional leaders, announced several new plans to strengthen the city’s earthquake preparedness. The event emphasized the importance of improving the city’s resilience to disasters and enhancing infrastructure safety.

Mayor Breed expressed her support for Mullin’s Earthquake Resilience Act, which aims to prompt the federal government to conduct the first national assessment of earthquake resilience risk, while establishing guidelines for protecting critical infrastructure, including public facilities, transportation, and communication systems.

Since the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, San Francisco has invested over $20 billion into seismic safety measures to enhance public safety, safeguard residential and commercial buildings, and ensure a prompt recovery after potential earthquakes.

In her remarks, Breed highlighted the inevitability of another major earthquake, stating, “It’s only a matter of time. We are consistently working to enhance the city’s earthquake resilience, which not only involves disaster preparedness but also relates to the long-term economic stability of our city. Thank you to Mullin for introducing the Earthquake Resilience Act, as it will make San Francisco and cities across the nation safer, while providing stronger protection for our infrastructure.”

Mullin added that while California has taken significant steps in earthquake preparedness, much of the nation is also at risk. “According to the U.S. Geological Survey, nearly 75% of the country could experience destructive earthquakes within the next century. These risks require immediate action to equip ourselves for a more resilient future,” he emphasized.

The Loma Prieta earthquake, which registered 6.9 on the Richter scale, remains the strongest earthquake San Francisco has experienced since 1906, resulting in the deaths of 63 people and leaving over 12,000 homeless. Estimates suggest that the damages then equaled approximately $14 billion in today’s dollars. A recent report from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that there is a 72% chance that San Francisco will face an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or greater by 2043.

Since the Loma Prieta earthquake, the city has made substantial investments in seismic safety. In terms of infrastructure, the Water System Improvement Project has repaired and replaced over 280 miles of pipeline, ensuring safe water supply during an earthquake. Additionally, the Emergency Firefighting Water System has enhanced high-pressure water delivery and deployed 52 pump stations in coastal areas to facilitate firefighting with seawater post-earthquake.

Chief Tong noted, “Firefighters undergo regular training and exercises, maintaining close collaboration with other emergency agencies to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively when a disaster strikes.”

Chief Scott reaffirmed the impact of the last 35 years of seismic preparedness efforts, stating, “The San Francisco Police Department is ready to respond to any disaster at a moment’s notice.”