Let me state the obvious.
Earthquakes are unexpected events.
They can strike almost anywhere at any time, and instantly, without warning. They can ravage our built environment, sever important utilities and lifelines, endanger our lives and those of our loved ones, and rock our sense of security and economic stability. The economic consequences of earthquakes can be enormous. We must consider preparing for the unexpected. As unfortunate as they are, tragedies the magnitude of Kobe do tend to help us focus a little better.