The global financial crisis has often been described as a “quake on the financial markets”. But that is an unsatisfactory metaphor. And that is because the financial crisis, unlike an earthquake, is not a natural disaster. On the contrary, the crisis is 100% man-made. Economics is not an exact science: it is a social science. The laws of economics are not laws of nature.
Earthquakes can be explained as natural phenomena. When, where and with what force an earthquake strikes cannot be predicted with any accuracy, however. It is nevertheless possible to say in advance which regions are at severe risk from earthquakes and which are less exposed.