ColonelBoogie

The first words out of me when I saw the pictures of the destruction were " I'd like to see a copy of their building code." They obviously dont have one. or if they do it is not enforced.We don't relize how well we think things through in the good old USA. We have building codes here , because we know what will happen without them. So before we talk about more unreinforced concrete block and rammed earth and Steel structures and shipping containers built and assembled by local construction crews, lets be sure they know how to build it right, with well engineered design and field construction oversite. The repeat of the same result will occur if even basic architecture happens without an applicable system allowing common and standards assuring strength,of structure, correct placement of foundations on solid surfaces, felxibility of utilities, etc.Codes that define a higher degree of survival all kinds of natural phenomenom.