A 4.7 magnitude earthquake is considered a moderate earthquake. It is often felt by people over a wide region but rarely causes serious damage. Typical effects include shaking that can be noticeable and sometimes alarming, with minor to no damage to well-constructed buildings, but potentially slight damage to poorly built structures. It corresponds roughly to an intensity level VI to VII on intensity scales, which indicates strong shaking that may lead to some localized structural damage and falling objects indoors. Such earthquakes are significant enough to be felt strongly in the affected area but usually do not cause widespread destruction.

For example, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake in Malibu, California, was felt widely but caused no immediate serious damage or injuries, just noticeable shaking. The depth and local geological conditions can influence the severity of shaking even at this moderate magnitude.

In summary, a 4.7 earthquake is a moderate seismic event that can be strongly felt and cause minor damage but is unlikely to cause major or widespread structural harm.