Who's to Blame

The recent earthquake in Indonesia and subsequent damage and death toll is shocking and devastating. This isn't the first time that an earthquake has struck a country and inflicted damage, but in this case, the problem extends deeper. The death toll has risen well over 1400 as of an hour ago or 2:18 pm EST, and there seem to be new reports flooding in by the minute. The implications of this disaster point to numerous factors and causes, and what actions other places should take into consideration.

Many people are blaming the government in being ineffective in first, predicting and planning for this sort of disaster, and also relief efforts. The government is slow to respond and the measures being taken are not quite effective. Crumbling infrastructure, unsafe buildings, building violations, lack attention to these errors, and all sorts of things make the problem even more devastating. Despite government efforts, aid is not being distributed in an ideal manner, and the government is now calling for international help.

This disaster also highlights shortcomings in other countries. when these tsunamis hit too close to shore, the sensors in the water can't detect them. In California, this is a possible problem because the likelihood of something happening without much warning is quite high.