A Dilemma.... already?!?

I have a story in mind. I've pretty much developed the plot in my head. It's a story I love and I think readers would love it, too. It has an interesting premise, a bit of intrigue, and great characters.

But,  as I've started to take my vision and write it down, I've run into a dilemma.  (and it starts with the very first chapter.)

What I want is for the reader to be interested from the very first sentence. I want them hooked by the first paragraph, and unable to put the book down by the end of the first chapter. That's the ideal. Sounds pretty good, right?

My first chapter starts with an earthquake (a good beginning). Then I introduce a minor character who then sets about inspecting a building for damage. There's a lot of description here- of the building and of the actions of the minor character. (ok- I'll admit- this has real potential of being boring if I don't do it right) The inspection leads to the discovery of the protagonists. (finally!)

My fear is that the beginning is weak, and I'll lose my readers before they really get started. And of course, I can't just say "Dear Reader, I know this beginning chapter is kind of boring but it's really important in establishing a foundation for the remainder of the book... so bear with me and I promise it will get better." That would be pretty lame- probably more lame than what I've got so far.

But no matter how I try to rethink the plot, I can't come up with any better of a beginning. So I need to try to improve what I have.

So why is this beginning important? It establishes the setting and the culture of the people within the setting- which also makes clear what is different about the protagonists. It also sets up the main conflict in the story- and raises questions as to how the protagonists got into this situation in the first place. It's an important chapter.... I just need to figure out how to make it decidedly un-boring. 

That is my dilemma. So how do I write the chapter that needs to be written and also engage my readers? How do I take the drama of an earthquake and keep interest going?

My thought is that, even though this is only a minor character, I have to make him interesting enough to capture the reader's attention and give them a reason to care about him. (but not too much) I need to give just enough description of the building so that the reader can visualize it and recognize it's importance without bogging down the plot. I need to build up the mystery and the tension of the unknown to build up to the point where the protagonists are discovered. And I need to figure out just how much of the information I'm trying to put into that first chapter can really wait for later on.

So if anyone reading my blog knows of a magic formula, or if you notice what questions I'm not asking or the things that I'm not considering (but should)- then I'm open to suggestions.

Meanwhile, I'll continue writing that first draft of the first chapter. When it's done, I  may post it here- and hopefully get things on the right track.