Designation

Characteristics

0

Very minor

Instrumental

2

Minor

Noticed only by sensitive people

5

Significant

Noticed by most people including those indoors.

10

Moderate

Everyone fully aware of event. Some inconvenience experienced, including transportation delays.

17

Rather Pronounced

Widespread sorrow. Everyone greatly inconvenienced; normal routines disrupted. Minor damage to fittings and unstable objects. Some crop damage.

25

Pronounced

Many people disturbed and some frightened. Minor damage to old or poorly constructed buildings. Transportation halted completely. Extensive crop damage.

65

Very Pronounced

Everyone disturbed; many frightened. Event remembered clearly for many years. Considerable damage to poorly built structures. Crops destroyed. High livestock losses. Most people suffer financial losses.

80

Destructive

Many injured. Some panic. Numerous normal buildings severely damaged. Heavy loss of livestock.

100

Very Destructive

Widespread initial disorganization. Area evacuated or left by refugees. Fatalities common. Routeways blocked. Agriculture adversely affected for many years.

145

Disastrous

Many fatalities. Masonry and frame structures collapse. Hazard-proofed buildings suffer considerable damage. Massive rebuilding necessary.

180

Very Disastrous

Major international media coverage. Worldwide appeals for aid. Majority of population killed or injured. Wide range of buildings destroyed. Agriculture may never be re-established.

200

Catastrophic

Future textbook example. All facilities completely destroyed; often little signs of wreckage. Surface elevation may be altered. Site often abandoned. Rare survivors become life-long curiosities.