ABSTRACT Masonry and reinforced concrete buildings often get damaged to various degrees in earthquake intensities VII and more on MSK scale. Most of such damages can be minised if they are strengthened before hand to withstand future shocks safely. This paper presents the causes of damage, and principles of retrofitting masonry and concrete buildings. Various methods of strengthening of masonry and concrete buildings are described. Examp1es of strengthening done in some earthquake areas of the world including India are presented. Results of a study carried out to retrofit an existing concrete buildings are also highlighted.