Do civil engineers take precautions for under-construction buildings? Do they minimize the risk somehow? I'm guessing there's inevitably a window during which an earthquake would be catastrophic, even if the end product is earthquake resistant.
Actually I think it would take special effort to make it so it's vulnerable during construction but safe at the end.
For example, do you think the foundation of the building is somehow weaker during construction but gets stronger at the end? How could that possibly work?
Framing is much more resistant to collapse once you put sheathing on it, a roof, etc. Before that it is easier to fall over.
A half built wood frame wall only supported at one end is like a wet noodle if you don't put in some temporary braces.
The collapse must have been due to a design or construction mistake.