I've been thinking about the Mexico City earthquake vs the Puerto Rico hurricane. Which is worse, which does more damage or deaths?
The early answer is clear. The earthquake killed more people (300-500 vs under 10), but the hurricane caused more damage.
But I wonder what the 'real' number of deaths from the hurricane will be. Yes, only a few died on the first day. But for example look at FL, how many elderly died in nursing homes? In PR, how many elderly will lack care & die from it? How many will drink or eat contaminated water/food causing death? How many do not get the medical care they could get in normal conditions and die? How many die in accidents cleaning up or attempting repairs?
These are all deaths that are never reported nor are the really possible to collect. Dozens? Possibly hundreds?
The same questions could be asked of the earthquake. I've already added the people trapped or unable to escape who died in the number above. But I don't think there will be much more to add to those numbers.
And looking at infrastructure, everything is destroyed by a hurricane. Power lines, fuel storage, roads, homes, everything. The quake is much less damaging. It knocked a few buildings down & some poles & such, but only a fraction compared to the water.
So comparing the two, my opinion is that the hurricane is significantly worse. Of course this is comparing a cat 5 vs a 7.1 quake. It is interesting to compare/contrast.