and now in kobe they (still) have many "earthquake proof" piles of rubble
that have yet to be rebuilt, although i'll admit, i'm sure it was far less
severe than the 1922 quake.

  Well, a large earthquake is guaranteed to kill.  Earthquake proof 
buildings are designed to hold up better under smaller quakes and to give 
people a chance to escape.  There are also aftershocks to deal with which 
while much smaller than a major earthquake but still damaging none the 
less.  Most of the deaths in Kobe came due to the many old fashioned 
Japanese dwellings which collapsed like houses made of cards.  A good 
number of the new structures survived.  The primary purpose of an 
earthquake proof structure is to keep the people inside alive, not to 
prevent property damage.

  If a similar earthquake struck Manhatten Island in New York City, the 
odds on any of the three million people surviving (if it hit during the 
daytime) are slim to none.  The entire island would collapse in a blink.