This could be because richer countries often have stronger buildings and also have satellite and radio services, which are very useful in an emergency. In addition, citizens are taught about what to do in earthquakes.

However, people in developing countries are forced to build poorly built houses in earthquake areas and do not benefit from the advantages of citizens from richer countries noted above. This problem will get worse as populations in developing countries increase.

Therefore, being a poor country will make the danger from earthquakes increase in the future.