Much of the death toll from earthquakes results from collapsing masonry and buildings and another key factor is the reality that these deaths primarily occur in the dwellings of low-income families. Since such families are normally well below the threshold of "engineered structures built by qualified builders", there is a clear need for more community-based training Programs in hazard-resistant housing. Allied to that there is much to be done to look at the various issues surrounding vulnerability to examine any social, cultural or even political reasons to present unsafe practices.