East Coast's Devasting Earthquake

Jamie, over at Greenlee Gazette, has probably th emost intriuging picture of the devestaion of the East Coast earthquake.
http://greenleegazette.blogspot.com/2011/08/washington-dc-earthquake-photo-of.html
How come the East Coast makes mountains out of mole hills? Most Californian's wouldn't even bat an eye at this earthquake.