Where do you think is the damage caused by an earthquake greater? Is it near or far from the epicenter?

The epicenter of an earthquake is the point on the Earth's surface, directly above the "focus," or the location at which a fault ruptures in the Earth's interior. The damage caused by the earthquake can be termed as its intensity. It is generally believed that since the energy emanates from the focus, the epicenter is also ground zero or the point of maximum destruction or damage. This is not always true. Yes, the epicenter sits directly above the point of energy release and yes, it has to withstand more energy compared to regions farther away, but there are a number of other factors which may also affect the damage caused by the earthquake. For example, the fault line may run for miles and hence would dissipate the built-up energy over a larger area. The direction of the energy is another factor. If the energy is directed along the fault, more damage can be expected as compared to when it is directed in a lateral direction. The type of soil strata also plays a big role in damage. Generally, the soil that can easily get liquefied is more prone to shaking and damage. 

Thus, a number of factors will determine where the maximum damage will take place, closer to the epicenter or further from it.

Hope this helps.