This collapsed building is typical of many residential dwellings that collapsed, leading to the majority of deaths. There were two types of residential construction. Shinkabe, the oldest type, consists of a post-and-beam vertical load-carrying system. Mud-infilled, two-way bamboo latticed exterior and interior walls provide lateral resistance. In Okabae, a more recent style, thin, timber lath and stucco, replaces the bamboo lattice and mud. Both types of construction are highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Many second floor residences had shops with open windows on the first floor. This made them vulnerable to collapse of the ground floor. Widespread dry rot and wood decay accelerated the failure of load-bearing elements.

Image Credit: Dr. Roger Hutchison.