Cyprus-Forum.com

[Cypcom]

BTW in many cases there is no real way to protect against earthquakes. You could have the best architect, use the best material and have the best construction company build it but still have it crumble to the ground. If the earth composition at the foundation of the building is such that it cannot withstand earthquakes then there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.

[devil]

Oh yes there is. All soil compositions which are liable to liquefaction should be classed as agricultural land, with no construction permitted thereon. This could have saved thousands of lives in the Kobe disaster. Soil mechanics is quite well understood under the influence of 'quakes of all types and magnitudes. IMHO, it is criminal to permit a construction zone on land which is liable to liquefy in a seismic zone -- and it is possible that may have happened here.