One would have to add to the equation when it is being considered that the earthquake (8.8) that struck Chile on 27 Feb., 2010, caused much less damage, including loss of lives, than the tremor in Haiti a few weeks earlier on 12 Jan.
The Chile quake has killed approximately 700 people according to the most recent records, but the one measuring 7.0, killed more than 200,000 people in Haiti.
So does it stands to reason that buildings in Haiti were constructed quickly and very cheaply?
Chile, on the other hand, is a much richer country and the people do have the ability, financial and otherwise to install more stringent building codes and then have the people of the country adhere to them.
When it comes to construction, especially of buildings and other facilities designed to accommodate hundreds of people at the same time ensured that it is “safety firstâ€.
These are the types of situations that seem to allow for great loss of lives and it is important that lessons are learnt.
It is, however, not all in the hands of the authorities as business and home owners, too, have a responsibility to ensure that building is done properly and according to specifications building codes demanded by the local authorities
This is what happened to Haiti.
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