Rating

Identifying Features

1. Instrumental

Detected only by seismographs

2. Feeble

Noticed by sensitive people

3. Slight

Similar to a passing lorry (truck)

4. Moderate

Loose objects are rocked

5. Rather strong

Felt generally

6. Strong

Trees sway; loose objects fall

7. Very strong

Walls crack

8. Destructive

Chimneys fall; masonry cracks

9. Ruinous

Houses collapse where ground starts to crack

10. Disastrous

Ground badly cracked; buildings destroyed

11. Very disastrous

Bridges and most buildings destroyed; landslides

12. Catastrophic

Ground moves in waves; total destruction