Contrasts in effects and responses

Explain why poor countries tend to suffer worse effects from earthquakes than rich countries

Rich countries tend to survive earthquakes better than poorer countries because they are more economically developed. In most cases, rich countries have buildings that are designed to withstand earthquakes. They have the money and systems in place to make sure that the buildings are carefully designed to withstand shaking and can afford to add safety features to older buildings that may be at risk. For example, they may have steel frames that sway during earth movements. In 2011, an earthquake hit Japan off the east coast of Sendai. Measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale, the impact should have caused extreme damage to buildings but many were saved by the earthquake proof buildings. Japan is the world leader in earthquake proof buildings; for example the Mori Tower in Tokyo. Poorer countries can't afford to build new structures to the same standard as richer countries, and they lack the money to improve older buildings. 

The construction of buildings of buildings is generally to a poorer quality and there is high density housing. This leads to the destruction of buildings when an earthquake occurs. For example, in the Haiti earthquake in 2010, 180,000 homes were destroyed. 

Furthermore, Richer countries have disaster plans where the public are educated about natural hazards and what to do if one occurs. In Japan, there are regular drills, for example the 'Michinoko alert 2008' by 18,000 and 22 towns across Tohoku. Poorer countries don't have the money to develop emergency plans and there are no drills prior to an earthquake, for example Haiti. This leads to chaos when a disaster happens and may mean people are not able to reach safe locations. 

Rich countries generally have better trained and better funded emergency services, meaning casualties can get out of affected areas safely and be treated. For example, in Japan there are 2.1 doctors per 1000 people. In poorer countries, healthcare services are less readily available, leading to casualties being left to die in affected areas. In Haiti, there are only 0.25 doctors per 100 people. 

Money is the main factor affecting the resources available to respond to an earthquake. 

For example, Haiti's GDP per capita is $700, whereas Japan's is $47,000.