Your example wouldnt be fair because Russian infrastructure hasnt been improved since the USSR was in reign in many areas. Their buildings are made of concrete slabs that haven't always been earthquake proofed so it makes sense that they would lose stability and kill many people.

California lives on an earthquake zone. They have regulations for every building to be made earthquake-safe. So over time, better buildings, less issues with earthquakes. That doenst mean there are less earthquakes, just like with areas with more storms, their preparation for storms (sea walls, anti-flooding design) doesnt mean there are less storms. they are simply more prepared, which means less deaths.