Rescue remains the priority, but another question is already unavoidable: why did some structures stand while others collapsed? The answer lies in records and engineering assessments, not a viral video.
Not every crack points to the same failure
Older buildings, unreinforced masonry, informal construction, poor maintenance and non-compliance are different situations. A seismic-resistant structure may suffer severe damage while preventing collapse. Failure of a recent formal building requires a complete investigation.
The records investigators need
An inquiry should obtain permits, soil studies, structural plans, calculations, construction logs, material certificates, alterations, inspections, damage photographs and earlier warnings. It must compare what was authorised, built and maintained.
Questions still unanswered
How many collapses involve informal construction? Were works altered or poorly executed? Do standards need to change? Answers require time, archives, samples and genuinely independent experts.
Watch the footage on YouTube
These Shorts document damage and search operations in the affected cities.