Is building quake-resistant structures a matter of wealth or correct engineering? I've always wondered.
These houses seem to consist of regular house-building material. I don't see a KAH-GELI house there. Some of them even have concrete-blocks (which is expensive and rarely used in western civilian structures).
If instead of paying for concrete blocks and all those bricks (which can be omitted for the most part) they paid for a proper concrete foundation, I think they could end up with a much safer house at cheaper prices.
It's all in the foundation, not necessarily poverty.