What's the construction like? If it was a lot of unreinforced masonry, its no wonder so much of the city was flattened. Even buildings up to earthquake safety standards may suffer significant damage as to be rendered unfit for human habitation. The point with quality construction is to minimize the loss of human life. At a point in time after the rescue efforts are over, questions will be asked to make sure such a scale of devastation is minimized in the future.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
BeiCuan City 2008-05-13