Science 8, PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS)

Intensity 2 (II): Slightly Felt

Felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Still water in containers oscillates noticeably.

Intensity 3 (III): Weak

Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.

Intensity 4 (IV): Moderately Strong

Felt generally by people indoors and by some people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a passing of heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably.

Intensity 5 (V): Strong

Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many sleeping people are awakened. Some are frightened, some run outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout building. Hanging objects swing violently.

Intensity 6 (VI): Very Strong

Many people are frightened; many run outdoors. Some people lose their balance. Motorists feel like driving in flat tires. Heavy objects or furniture move or may be shifted.

Intensity 7 (VII): Destructive

Most people are frightened and run outdoors. People find it difficult to stand in upper floors. Heavy objects and furniture overturn or topple.

Intensity 9 (IX): Devastating

People are forcibly thrown to ground. Many cry and shake with fear. Most buildings are totally damaged. Bridges and elevated concrete structures are toppled or destroyed.

Intensity 8 (VIII): Very Destructive

People are panicky. People find it difficult to stand even outdoors. Many well-built buildings are considerably damaged. Concrete dikes and foundation of bridges are destroyed by ground settling or toppling.

Intensity 1 (I): Scarcely Perceptible

Perceptible to people under favorable circumstances. Delicately balanced objects are disturbed slightly. Still water in containers oscillates slowly.

Intensity 10 (X): Completely Devastating

Practically all man-made structures are destroyed. Massive landslides and liquefaction, large scale subsidence and uplift of land forms and many ground fissures are observed.