Earthquakes above magnitude 6.0 are generally considered dangerous, as they can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, especially in populated areas.

Magnitude Effects

Magnitudes under 5.0 rarely cause damage beyond minor effects in weak structures. From 6.1 to 6.9, destruction occurs over areas up to 100 km wide in poorly built regions. Earthquakes of 7.0-7.9, classified as major, lead to serious widespread damage and potential loss of life.

Key Factors

Damage depends not just on magnitude but also on depth, distance from the epicenter, local soil, and building quality—magnitudes above 4-5 can harm in vulnerable spots. Intensities V-VI (around magnitude 4+) may crack walls, while VII+ (magnitude 4.7+) risks collapses. Great quakes over 8.0 devastate hundreds of kilometers.