The European Macroseismic Scale, most recently updated in 1998, is the basis for evaluation of seismic intensity in European countries. Unlike earthquake magnitude, which indicates the energy a quake expends, EMS98 intensity denotes how strongly an earthquake affects a specific place. The European Macroseismic Scale has 12 divisions, as follows:
- Not felt—Not felt, even under the most favorable circumstances.
- Scarcely felt-Vibration is felt only by individual people at rest in houses, especially on upper floors of buildings.
- Weak-The vibration is weak and is felt indoors by a few people. People at rest feel a swaying or light trembling.
- Largely observed-The earthquake is felt indoors by many people, outdoors by very few. A few people are awakened. The level of vibration is not frightening. Windows, doors and dishes rattle. Hanging objects swing.
- Strong-The earthquake is felt indoors by most, outdoors by few. Many sleeping people awake. A few run outdoors. Buildings tremble throughout. Hanging objects swing considerably. China and glasses clatter together. The vibration is strong. Topheavy objects topple over. Doors and windows swing open or shut.
- Slightly damaging-Felt by most indoors and by many outdoors. Many people in buildings are frightened and run outdoors. Small objects fall. Slight damage to many ordinary buildings; for example, fine cracks in plaster and small pieces of plaster fall.
- Damaging-Most people are frightened and run outdoors. Furniture is shifted and objects fall from shelves in large numbers. Many ordinary buildings suffer moderate damage: small cracks in walls; partial collapse of chimneys.
- Heavily damaging-Furniture may be overturned. Many ordinary buildings suffer damage: chimneys fall; large cracks appear in walls and a few buildings may partially collapse.
- Destructive-Monuments and columns fall or are twisted. Many ordinary buildings partially collapse and a few collapse completely.
- Very destructive-Many ordinary buildings collapse.
- Devastating-Most ordinary buildings collapse.
- Completely devastating-Practically all structures above and below ground are heavily damaged or destroyed.