Answer:
Population density (rural or urban area). The more densely populated an area, the more likely there are to be deaths and casualties. A severe earthquake at rush hour in a densely populated urban area could have devastating effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
An average of 3.5 million people are affected by earthquakes every year. Earthquakes usually cause severe damage to urban centres, resulting in the loss of life and damage to homes and other infrastructure. Earthquakes sometimes trigger tsunamis, landslides and occasionally volcanic activity.