The effects of an earthquake are measured by intensity according to the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98). The maps show the probability of a particular intensity and the associated effects within a certain period.

Minor damage to buildings is likely from intensity VI upward, while intensity VII and above can result in major damage, including building collapse. Intensities below V do not generally cause any damage, although they can still be felt in some cases.

The effects of similarly-sized earthquakes vary primarily due to distance from the hypocenter, the depth of the earthquake, and the local subsoil. In terms of the subsoil, the softer the ground, the more likely it is that damage will occur, as softer subsoil amplifies earthquake waves. Concerning depth and distance: the deeper in the earth’s interior and the further away an earthquake occurs, the less damage is caused.