Scientists say the earthquake fault that runs through the coastal city of Ventura, Calif., can produce strong shaking and dangerous tsunamis, prompting state officials to study whether to revise hazard maps.
The new research shows the Ventura fault is more dangerous than previously thought, capable of quakes as large as magnitude 8 that could spawn a tsunami that begins in the Santa Barbara Channel and affect coastal communities to the south.
A major earthquake on the Ventura fault is estimated to occur every 400 to 2,400 years. The last major quake hit about 800 years ago.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Nationwide: Consumers Say Insurance Should Evolve for Micromobility Vehicles 
How Niche Insurance Shielded Bad Bunny From Bad Weather 
With Falling Private Re Prices, Should Florida Let Insurers Buy Less From the Cat Fund? 
State Farm Agrees to $15M Settlement for Underpaid Vehicle Claims From This Issue
