ABSTRACT
This paper considers three issues arising from recent experience of attempting to understand the extent and geographical distribution of losses in earthquakes, and to estimate future losses. First it considers the use of intensity scales and the measurement of building damage on which they are based. Secondly it considers the relationship between damage and macro-seismic intensity as defined in the scale and as observed in post-earthquake damage surveys. Thirdly it considers the relationship between physically observed building damage and financial losses. Some conclusions on the recording of post-earthquake damage are then presented.
