ABSTRACT
It is collapsing buildings that kill people, not earthquakes themselves. Good construction can withstand most earthquakes but conversely, poor construction may not do so. It is regrettable for a world-wide industry capable of constructing bridges, airports and skyscrapers, that a chapter comes to be devoted to the extent that corrupt construction practice, and its ‘concealment, like a worm i’ the bud’, 1 may be the cause of death, injury and deprivation. Together with how and why corruption happens and what can be done about it, this chapter is relevant to all countries and all hazards; Italy and Turkey are two of the most earthquake-prone countries and will be examined in some detail.
