China's earthquake disaster

The Chinese government do seem to be taking prompt and effective action for the victims of the earthquake.  It is a contrast with the Burmese government's response so far to the cyclone.

How far are natural disasters entirely natural?  It is worth thinking about the human policies and decisions that can help to mitigate the effects, for instance by not building in areas that are prone to floods or by making buildings that are able to withstand earthquakes.  Will Hutton writing in the Observer believes that Beijing's prompt reponse to the earthquake won't cover cracks of corruption .  He alleges that regulations on buildings and dams have not been enforced in exchange for bribes.