Local authorities attributed the severity of the damage to the shallowness of the quake. The thrust-type rupture of the earthquake and the relatively soft sedimentary rock in the region also amplified the destructive power of the tremors. Many of the homes destroyed were built from an earlier era, made of earth-wood or brick-wood structures. Their load-bearing walls were constructed from earth, resulting in their poor defences against any earthquake, local authorities said.
Earthquake Resistance: A day later, builders and civic officials said housing and commercial towers, as well as other structures in Navi Mumbai are safe as the base and plinth of buildings are made earthquake-resistant at the time of construction.