The modified Mercalli Scale (Roman numerals I-XII) is used to measure the
intensity of an earthquake is a particular area. It differs from the Richter scale (which
measures the energy released by an earthquake).
I
Barely felt
II
Felt by a few sensitive people, some suspended objects may swing.
III
Slightly felt indoors as though a large truck were passing.
IV
Felt indoors by many people, most suspended objects swing, windows and dishes rattle, standing autos rock.
V
Felt by almost everyone, sleeping people are awakened, dishes and windows break.
VI
Felt by everyone, some are frightened and run outside, some chimneys break, some furniture moves, slight damage.
VII
Considerable damage in poorly built structures, felt by people driving, most are frightened and run outside.
VIII
Slight damage to well built structures, poorly built structures are heavily damaged, walls chimneys, monuments fall.
IX
Underground pipes break, foundations of buildings are damaged and building shift off foundations, considerable damage to well built structures.
X
Few structures survive, most foundations destroyed, water moved out of banks of rivers and lakes, avalanches and rockslides, railroads are bent.
XI
Few structures remain standing, total panic, large cracks in the ground.
XII
Total destruction, objects throws into the air, the land appears to be liquid and is visibly rolling like waves.