Shallow earthquakes cause the most damage because they release their energy closer to the Earth's surface. This proximity leads to stronger and more intense shaking of the ground, resulting in greater destruction of buildings and infrastructure compared to deeper earthquakes. Seismic waves from deep earthquakes lose energy as they travel upward, reducing their impact by the time they reach the surface. In contrast, shallow earthquakes transmit their energy directly and violently to the surface, much like setting off a bomb just beneath a city, causing more severe damage and casualties.

Additionally, shallow earthquakes often generate numerous aftershocks that prolong the damage and challenges faced by affected areas. The relative rarity of shallow earthquakes in some regions, combined with unprepared communities and less resilient building structures, can also increase their destructiveness.

In summary, shallow earthquakes cause the most damage due to their energy being released closer to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and higher destruction potential.