Melani, does it have to be either/or? [living in flooding prone areas or living in earthquake country]

I guess people live where they happen to live. And I suppose most people hope for the best. But if you live in such areas, I would hope that people keep alert & aware, prepare as best they can given their {sometimes far too limited resources} and hope [and demand]that the authorities prepare as best they can for the worst and properly execute needed support and servivces in the event of an emergency.

IMO, too often the "authorities" in all levels of government don't prepare as best they can. For instance, hiring incompetent cronies makes it less likely for the proper planning and needed services will occur as soon as they are needed.