What causes the most destruction from earthquakes?

when fault movement causes magma to break through the crust causing volcanoes

collapsing structures, fires, electrical lines, and tsunamis

when large cracks open in the Earth's crust swallowing structures and people

when the ground shakes violently

1 answer

The most destruction from earthquakes is primarily caused by collapsing structures, fires, electrical lines, and tsunamis. While the shaking of the ground itself (the shaking violently) is a direct effect of earthquakes, the subsequent impacts, such as the collapse of buildings, the release of gas leading to fires, damage to electrical infrastructure, and the potential for tsunamis, often result in greater destruction and loss of life. Additionally, geological phenomena like cracks in the Earth's crust can contribute to damage, but the secondary effects tend to be the most destructive in populated areas.