Why would an earthquake be more of a problem in urban areas than in rural areas?

there is a higher chance of death because in rural areas, there are less things to fall on you, and also there are not many modern appliances such as power lines or gas pipes.

There are more buildings in urban areas so falling glass concrete etc could be dangerous. Population density is higher in urban areas so the chance of someone dying is greater. There is also services like electricity, sewerage and gas that if damaged or broken could result in fire or out break of disease.