Why do earthquakes in other countries seem to cause more damage and casualties than earthquakes in the U.S.?
There is more damage and more deaths from earthquakes in other parts of the world primarily because of buildings which are poorly designed and constructed for earthquake regions, and population density.
Related Content
How does the USGS tell the difference between an earthquake and a sonic boom?
What are earthquake lights?
Can you feel an earthquake if you're in a cave? Is it safer to be in a cave during an earthquake?
What is liquefaction?
Where can I find photographs of earthquake damage?
How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?
What are those booms I sometimes hear before or during an earthquake?
At what magnitude does damage begin to occur in an earthquake?
What does an earthquake feel like?
South Napa Earthquake – One Year Later
One year ago, the largest earthquake in over 25 years hit the San Francisco Bay Area, causing significant damage in California’s famous Napa Valley. The magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred early in the morning on August 24, 2014, on the West Napa Fault.
6 Facts about Human-Caused Earthquakes
The central United States has undergone a dramatic increase in seismicity over the past 6 years. From 1973-2008, there was an average of 24 earthquakes of magnitude 3 and larger per year.
20 Years After Northridge Quake, Buildings Remain Vulnerable
Twenty years ago this week an earthquake struck Northridge, Calif., killing 57 people and revealing a serious defect in a common type of mid-rise building. A new study by U.S. Geological Survey and Caltech engineers, shows that these mid-rise buildings with fracture-prone welds in their steel frames are much more dangerous than they would be if they met current standards.
Haiti Dominates Earthquake Fatalities in 2010
While the U.S. Geological Survey recorded 22 magnitude-7 or larger earthquakes in 2010, almost all the fatalities were produced by one — the major quake that hit Haiti on Jan. 12.
In 2010, about 227,000 people were killed due to earthquakes, with over 222,570 from the magnitude-7.0 Haiti event, as reported by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
USGS Updates Assessment of Earthquake Hazard and Safety in Haiti and the Caribbean
RESTON, Va. — The threat of additional damaging earthquakes in Haiti will remain for the next year.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued an update to its Jan. 21, 2010, statement, which includes the aftershock probabilities for the next 30-to-90-day period and for the overall year.
Map of Western Hemisphere Indicates Location of Potential Earthquake Damage
BOSTON -- A new ground shaking hazard map of the Western Hemisphere will show regions of potential earthquake damage, providing a useful global seismic hazard tool for government, industry and the general public.
Large Earthquakes Are Hazards to be Reckoned With in Hawaii; Could Affect Building Codes, According to USGS Researcher
The term "geologic hazards" in Hawaii generally means volcanic eruptions and lava flows. A hazard that might not come to mind is the possibility of earthquakes, as large as magnitude-eight, under the flanks of the active volcanoes, according to Fred Klein, a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif.
Damage to Monuments in Nepal
Major damage was more likely to monuments in Kathmandu, Nepal than more modern structures.
USGS Rapid Response to Haiti
Collapsed multi-story residence in Port-au-Prince following the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. The weight of heavy concrete floors and roofs was often too great for the modest strength in support columns, as evidenced here.
USGS Rapid Response to Haiti
Collapsed multi-story building occupied by "Centre D'Edudes La Concorde" in Port-au-Prince, a result of the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. An examination of the adjacent buildings indicates that this structure was either two or three stories tall. Interviews with eye-witnesses confirm that most structures collapsed within ten or slightly more
...
Damage from 2008 Great Sichuan Earthquake in China
The May 12, 2008, Great Sichuan Earthquake, also called the Wenchuan Earthquake, occurred at 14:28 local time, in Sichuan Province, China. The earthquake magnitudes were Mw = 7.9 (USGS), Ms = 8.0 (Chinese Earthquake Administration). The epicenter was 80 km west-northwest of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province. Damage by earthquake-induced landslides was
...
Collapsed Building
Collapsed residential building in Mianyang.
Northridge, CA Earthquake Damage
Collection of USGS still images taken after the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake highlighting the damage to buildings and infrastructure.
1906 San Francisco Earthquake - Damage with Family in Foreground
Composite photo of 1906 damaged buildings and modern family in foreground
Villagers in Kerauja, Nepal standing below a large rock slide
Villagers in Kerauja, Nepal standing below a large rock slide that resulted in one fatality.