This study reviews twenty-nine earthquake reconnaissance reports from developing countries in the period from 1990-1998. After identifying trends in the different types and causes of damage to buildings reviewed in the reports, the paper suggests areas where earthquake damage mitigation should be focussed; namely architectural and engineering conceptual design, engineering details and construction. An analysis of all causes of seismic damage suggests conceptual design is the most important area to focus on, and that codes or standards must include provisions to prevent poor building configurations. Finally, the paper considers the nature of reconnaissance teams and their reports. It comments on teams' objectives and concludes by suggesting how teams might contribute towards improving the mitigation of earthquake building damage in developing countries more directly.