Final answer:
The number of deaths and damage caused by an earthquake can be affected by factors such as the ground material, proximity to the epicenter, earthquake depth, public education, and earthquake magnitude.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that can affect the number of deaths or amount of damage caused by an earthquake include the type of material on which structures are built, distance from the earthquake, depth of the earthquake, the education of populace, and the magnitude of the earthquake. Structures built on solid rock typically fare better than those on loose sediments or reclaimed land, which can amplify seismic waves. The closer a population is to the earthquake's epicenter, the more severe the impact is likely to be. Additionally, shallow earthquakes typically cause more damage than deeper ones. Education about earthquakes can help people prepare and respond more effectively to reduce death and damage, while the magnitude indicates the energy released and significantly influences the overall impact of the event.