Towards Less Disastrous Result from Earthquakes in the Developing Countries

During the past two decades, natural disasters have claimed millions of human lives and made more than one billion of people homeless or sick[7]. Most of these victims were from developing countries. Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that strike with little or no warning. Experience with catastrophic earthquakes has shown that demolition and damage of building and structures, which usually have inadequate level safety, cause the human losses and injuries.This paper reviews the earthquake phenomenon. It defines the main parameters of earthquakes and earthquake engineering. The paper recommends a procedure to be followed by some of the developing countries that lies within seismic-prone regions. Special reference is made to the Sudan experience. Sudan has stepped forwards, in the last few years, towards establishment of macro seismic zoning of Sudan and adjacent area and towards the conclusion of suitable seismic design for the Sudan. The paper also recommends updated design provisions which can be adopted for Sudan and other developing countries.