Which factor most directly reduces earthquake shaking risk in densely populated areas?

Which factor most directly reduces earthquake shaking risk in densely populated areas?

• A. Wider streets.
• B. Strict building codes and retrofitting together with land-use planning.
• C. Public awareness campaigns only.
• D. No preparedness.

Answer: (B)

Reducing earthquake shaking risk in densely populated areas comes from strengthening the built environment and controlling where development occurs. Strict building codes ensure new structures are designed to withstand expected ground motions, and retrofitting strengthens older buildings so they’re less likely to collapse or suffer severe damage during shaking. Land-use planning further lowers risk by guiding development away from the most vulnerable locations and by creating space that improves safety, evacuation, and accessibility for emergency response. Together, these measures reduce both vulnerability (how structures perform) and exposure (how many people and assets are at risk). Wider streets help with evacuation and emergency access, but they don’t change how strongly the ground shakes or how resilient buildings are. Public awareness campaigns improve preparedness, yet they don’t directly reduce the damage from shaking. No preparedness increases risk.

Reducing earthquake shaking risk in densely populated areas comes from strengthening the built environment and controlling where development occurs. Strict building codes ensure new structures are designed to withstand expected ground motions, and retrofitting strengthens older buildings so they’re less likely to collapse or suffer severe damage during shaking. Land-use planning further lowers risk by guiding development away from the most vulnerable locations and by creating space that improves safety, evacuation, and accessibility for emergency response. Together, these measures reduce both vulnerability (how structures perform) and exposure (how many people and assets are at risk).

Wider streets help with evacuation and emergency access, but they don’t change how strongly the ground shakes or how resilient buildings are. Public awareness campaigns improve preparedness, yet they don’t directly reduce the damage from shaking. No preparedness increases risk.