The story follows Chief Ray Gaines (Dwayne Johnson), a rescue pilot for the Los Angeles Fire Department. Ray is a skilled pilot and a devoted father to his daughter, Hana (Travis Firkins). When the earthquake strikes, Ray's wife, Emma (Carla Gugino), and daughter are separated from him. Emma and Hana are on their way to pick up Hana's sister, Lily (Alexandra Daddario), from a school field trip when the earthquake hits.