Initial disaster casualty figures often vary widely. The New York Times cites an Iranian official placing the death toll from the earthquake that leveled Bam at 5,000-6,000+; meanwhile, Reuters estimates it at over 20,000.
By any measure, it’s devastating. Notably, however, in terms of strength the Iranian earthquake was roughly the same magnitude as one which hit California earlier this week, killing only three. I understand the latter hit a largely rural area, so the situations aren’t exactly parallel. But I think the comparison does illustrate the gap in technology and housing standards between wealthy and poor nations. American homes made of wood, brick, steel, and concrete may or may not withstand stress. Clearly Iranian homes of mud and brick don’t.
For all the fuss about evil government regulations, they do serve a useful purpose.