I don't think the proximity of quakes in or near populated areas is as much of an issue as the effect a distant quake could have on highly populated areas. Conceivably, a huge quake in the middle of the ocean could trigger a massive tsunami. The Canary Island threat is a large ocean away from NYC, but there are those who think it could devastate our eastern seaboard.

The big deal about a severe earthquake is whether or not I'm near it.

If it happens three thousand miles away, it's an energy release. If it happens here, it's a disaster.

Sue