In earthquakes, people over 60 years of age are at increased risk for death and injury and have a death rate that can be five times higher than that of the rest of the population (67). Children between 5 and 9 years of age, women, and the chronically ill also seem to be at an elevated risk for injury and death (67). Lack of mobility to flee collapsing structures, inability to withstand trauma, and exacerbation of underlying disease are factors that may contribute to the vulnerability of these groups. Mortality distribution by age will also be affected to a certain degree by the social attitudes and habits of different communities. For example, in some societies young children sleep close to their mothers and may be more easily protected by them.