China wealthy enough to afford earthquake-proof construction

Lessons must be learned from the two enormous earthquakes in Sichuan and Yushu .

Many individuals made donations to help the quake victims get back on their feet. However, this does not offer a permanent solution for people who must continue to live in parts of China prone to earthquakes.

Lives can be saved through preventive measures. Earthquake-proof designs can help prevent buildings from collapsing.

Houses should be built with shock-proof technology and fire-resistant materials.

Steel frames should be used instead of concrete and stone, and the foundations must be sunk deep into the bedrock.

The US and Japan have set good examples with these kinds of building techniques in their vulnerable regions.

One example, in San Francisco, is the Transamerica pyramid.