I would agree that the only realistic prep for such an event is not to buy or build a house in an area prone to landslides and sink holes.
The risk is not actually that great, consider how many houses in the area have NOT suffered such a disaster, but those of a cautious or nervous disposition should avoid.
In the sad case being disscussed, the risk could have been slightly reduced by only useing the basesment for storage, laundry, or some other purpose that means it is only occupied briefy rather than for many hours at a time.The news pictures suggest that anyone elswhere in the house might well have lived.

As posted by others, people still move willingly to areas prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and tornados. The risks of these can be reduced by prudent preps, but the risk can only be eliminated by living someplace else.