Earthquake in Ecuador

An earthquake with 7.8 magnitude hit Portoviejo, Ecuador on this last Saturday. At least 413 people died and more than 2,500 people were injured in this natural disaster. It left much destruction in its wake, taking out highways, buildings, and electricity. Aid workers from around Latin American and Europe and private organizations came to help. The Spanish Red Cross predicted between 3,000 to 5,000 people became homeless due to the earthquake. People everywhere are searching for their loved ones. The Ecuadorian military was also brought in to search for survivors.

Additionally, the United Nations refugee agency plans to bring in an airlift to help those affected by the earthquake. The European Union gave 1 million euros to contribute to humanitarian aid for the victims. Moreover, 180 inmates escaped through a hole left in the El Rodeo state prison due to the earthquake. Fortunately, approximately 30 were recaptured by today. The biggest problem is the lack of water and food.

Additionally, in the past few weeks, there have been some other major earthquakes in Japan, India, and Myanmar. "Seismologist Roger Bilham from the University of Colorado told Express, more than half the Indian landmass was ripe for a major quake that could cause massive damage." This is not so different than our situation here in California. We are due for a gigantic earthquake that has not happened yet. It was predicted that we would have one last year, but it did not come. "Seismologists continue to predict dangerous quakes for large parts of California whose populous cities are situated over major fault lines."

Questions:
Are we prepared as a country/state for a major earthquake? Do you think that there is anything we (The United States) can do or should we just let nature take its course?
Is there a governmental policy you would implement for these types of natural disasters?

http://www.inquisitr.com/2996749/massive-earthquake-predicted-major-tremors-worldwide/
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/18/americas/ecuador-earthquake/
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/19/world/americas/ecuador-earthquake.html