TIME

America is not ready for the earthquakes ahead

An earthquake on Sept. 23 cracked the concrete in San Gregorio Atlapulco, Mexico

ASK MOST AMERICANS ABOUT THE greatest disaster threat and they’re likely to give the same answer: hurricanes—especially after the recent havoc they’ve wreaked. That awareness is valuable. But it’s just as important to realize how vulnerable we are to another kind of disaster: earthquakes.

Consider the Sept. 19 quake near Mexico City. At least 333 people died and 38 buildings

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