In 2008, China’s monster quake claimed 80,000 lives and destroyed five million buildings. In town after town, poorly constructed school buildings crumbled, wiping out classrooms filled with students. A year later an international team began searching the rubble for vital clues to how the earthquake caused so much damage. Their startling findings may help save lives in future natural disasters.

In 2008, China’s monster quake claimed 80,000 lives and destroyed five million buildings. In town after town, poorly constructed school buildings crumbled, wiping out classrooms filled with students. A year later an international team began searching the rubble for vital clues to how the earthquake caused so much damage. Their startling findings may help save lives in future natural disasters.